OUR STORY

A Passion For Indigenous Culture

The Top Didj Cultural Experience in the Northern Territory was founded in April 2009 by Alex and Petrena Ariston. Alex and Petrena have a very real passion for Indigenous culture and artwork and have worked with indigenous communities around Katherine since 1997.

The Top Didj Cultural Experience was developed when Alex and Petrena identified the need for a cultural interaction with the Aboriginal people of Katherine. They were passionate about capturing this rich culture and providing an avenue for local indigenous artists to tell their story and to showcase traditional activities such as fire lighting, spear and boomerang throwing, painting whilst educating visitors of their culture and way of life.

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The cultural experience is designed to promote a positive experience with the aboriginal people. They own a beautiful culture which amazes many travellers.

The Top Didj Art Gallery holds a portfolio of artists from the region. The gallery reflects the cultural diversity and influences from Jawoyn, Dalabon and Mali Aborigines who have lived in the area for thousands of years.

The gallery also has a range of strong collections from the celebrated regions of Arnhem Land, the Kimberleys and the Central Western Desert, which is home to the Warlpiri people. Katherine is central to these regions.

Alex and Petrena work closely with the Katherine Indigenous community to assist local artists with employment and provide other practical support such as housing.