From pop-up to permanent: The birth of an art enterprise in Mount Isa

What began as a temporary pop-up initiative to showcase local talent has transformed into a permanent cultural fixture in Mount Isa.

From its humble beginnings, Maltha Waru Regional Arts Workshop, the city’s first dedicated Indigenous art gallery, opened to the public at Outback at Isa earlier this year.

Turning art into business

The journey started in 2023 with the Indigenous Artists Pop-Up Shop Project, a creative enterprise initiative of the Queensland Government through the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism (DWATSIPM).

The aim for the pop-up was to bring the vibrant works of North West Queensland’s best Indigenous artists to a whole new audience and to promote local Aboriginal artists to the thousands of tourists visiting the region each year.

Shaun Wilde, Regional Director DWATSIPM, said the pop-up initiative gave artists a taste of success because for the first time, local artists had a place to exhibit and sell their work in their own community.

"It’s not often you can say, ‘build it and they will come,’ but that’s exactly what happened. The demand was clear, with people visiting and buying these incredible works of local art," said Shaun.

"The pop-up shop not only showcased the creativity and talent of First Nations artists but also sparked the potential for something more enduring."

Developing economic opportunities through art in Mount Isa

More importantly, it also provided the artists a collective voice to pose a bold challenge to local authorities to establish a permanent gallery that would celebrate Indigenous art and create sustainable economic opportunities.

Inspired by the success of the pop-up shop and the undeniable talent of the artists, the Mount Isa City Council worked with Outback at Isa to secure funding. In May 2025, the vision became a reality with the opening of the Maltha Waru Regional Arts Workshop.

Maltha Waru, meaning "many paths" in the Kalkadoon language, symbolises the connections between art, culture and community. The gallery provides a dedicated space for Indigenous artists to display and sell their work, eliminating the need for artists to travel to distant cities like Cairns or Brisbane.

Martin Turner, Outback at Isa Centre Manager, said that from the very start Maltha Waru Regional Arts Workshop has been going from strength to strength.

"Since the gallery’s launch in May, we’ve been thrilled to welcome countless visitors," said Martin.

"The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the incredible talent showcased by the Maltha Waru Regional Arts collective, purchasing artworks and artifacts for display all over Australia, with many pieces sold to international visitors.

"It’s been wonderful to see the gallery become a vibrant cultural hub and the artists are excited about having their work celebrated in such a dedicated space."

The gallery features work from paintings and jewellery to textiles, carvings and spinifex paper. Artists such as Barbara Sam, Rebecca Sam and Hazel Munro are among those whose creations now have a permanent home.

Celebrating Indigenous Business Month in Queensland

The theme of this year’s Indigenous Business Month is 'Strength through Collaboration' and Maltha Waru is a powerful example of how a strong community-backed idea can grow into a successful enterprise delivering great economic outcomes.

Indigenous Business Month is held each October, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across Queensland are celebrated.

You can get involved by helping raise awareness through your business or local community, participating in an Indigenous Business Month event, visiting the Maltha Waru Gallery or hosting you own event.

For more information, visit the Business Queensland website.