Mbantua Aboriginal Art Gallery — Local services in Northern Territory

My friend and I walked in to look at the art that the gallery had on display. While inside the gallery, we were approached by a staff member within the first minutes of looking and asked if we needed help, we replied that no, thank you and that we were looking. The staff member then went on to repeat our words in a mocking manner, giggled, and then walked away out of sight towards the back of the gallery. Within about five minutes of the previous interaction, we stopped in front of a map that shows where is Australia different tribes of Australian First Nations people come from and a different staff member approached us and, in a condescending tone, asked us if we needed help or were we just going to look at the map. The staff members that were on duty were obnoxiously rude and unless you’re going to make a purchase with the first 5 minutes upon arriving, I see no point of going since the atmosphere of the gallery is most...

The shop, the staff and paintings were lovely, one member of staff (possibly the manager) gave us a history of the aboriginal painters they have works on.

However I did get the sense of exploration with regards to how much the paintings cost and how much percentage goes to the artist and the welfare of First Nations people. This was somewhat confirmed as we were told that a painting that the gallery owner had bought for himself was sold for 2.5 million to an American businessman 😳. Not great as the artist had sold the work for a fraction of that, then the gallery owner waited for her to pass away so the price jumped. How much of the 2.5 million went to her family and First Nations community, I fear non. Also why didn’t such an important painting go to the Australian National Museum 🤔, instead it’s on a wall in an American office somewhere.

PS I am aware that it is a business and profits are there to be had, but at...

On entry we were warmly greeted by Simone & Eleanor who could not have been more helpful. We were shown around the gallery and informed about many items, artists and their connection to the Utopia area and lands. We purchased a lovely piece of art which was sent back to our home in Victoria and arrived in perfect condition, very well packed and protected to avoid damage while with the carrier. We visited a second time and shortlisted a couple of more paintings but weren’t able to come to a decision on that occasion. Both visits were friendly and unrushed with no pressure from the sales staff. I would highly recommend a visit to this gallery and will be back again next time we are in...