The Right Heart – East Arnhem Land Art Competition was never just about creating artwork.
It was about inviting community into the process of shaping a regional identity — creating something grounded in story, culture and connection, and ensuring the future visual identity of East Arnhem Land reflects the people and places that make this region what it is.
Since August 2024, Developing East Arnhem Limited (DEAL) has been working alongside creative agency KWP+Partners and Indigenous consultancy Brackish Impact Co. to develop a new regional brand identity for East Arnhem Land. The project aims to create a visual identity that can be shared and used across the region to support tourism, investment, liveability and workforce attraction — while remaining deeply connected to East Arnhem’s unique identity and spirit.
At the centre of this process sat a simple question: How do you capture the Right Heart of East Arnhem?
The answer came from community.
The competition invited artists with a lived connection to East Arnhem Land to contribute works reflecting their stories, culture and perspectives. Sixteen artists from across the region submitted pieces, with representation spanning Galiwin’ku, Milingimbi, Yirrkala and the Gove Peninsula.
From these entries, two artworks were selected to help inform and shape East Arnhem’s future visual identity: works by Ishmael Marika and Elvira Yunupingu.
For Ishmael Marika, a Rirratjingu man from Yirrkala and Creative Director of The Mulka Project, his artwork Manala speaks to strength, responsibility and standing firm for future generations.
“Because the Manala are the rock that I’ve made represents our clan group, the Rirratjingu,” Ishmael said.
“We stand firm from the other clans, and we fight for our people and for the next generation so they can stand firm and work for their community and for their people.”
For Ishmael, being selected as a winner carries meaning beyond the artwork itself.
“I feel great and showing other young men and young people to step up and be a role model for young people.”
Having his work become part of East Arnhem’s future identity is something he says makes him proud.
“It is great, so they can talk about my artwork that represents East Arnhem.”
Pictured: Ishmael Marika
Elvira Yunupingu, from Galpu clan and raised in Galupa on the Gove Peninsula, also saw the competition as an opportunity to share a story and artistic practice deeply connected to her identity and upbringing. Her winning work reflects memories, family teachings and Yolŋu connection to land and sea.
“I chose this piece because it’s a painting and story I really enjoy creating,” Elvira said.
When asked how it felt to be recognised, her response was simple:
“I feel proud of myself and it’s really nice to be recognised for my art.”
For Elvira, seeing her work contribute to East Arnhem’s broader identity is also about sharing culture.
“I’m proud that my story and culture represent East Arnhem Land and can be shared for everyone to see and enjoy.”
The Right Heart project demonstrates the value of creating with community rather than for community. Throughout the process, cultural oversight, local relationships and Yolŋu-led engagement remained central to ensuring the outcomes stayed grounded in East Arnhem itself.
As East Arnhem’s regional brand journey continues, these artworks represent more than design elements.
They are stories. They are identity. And they are a reminder that the strongest foundations are built when community has a seat at the table.
Pictured: Elvira Yunupingu
