It was notable as the base for contemporary Indigenous Australian artists of the eastern Kimberley region, including Paddy Bedford and Freddie Timms.
Its genesis lay in a 1996 meeting in Melbourne between gallerist Tony Oliver and Freddie Timms, who "knew that the cheap suit and envelope containing $300 he received after completing a month's worth of painting for a commercial gallery in Melbourne was not a true reflection of his worth".
[4] His conversation with Oliver led ultimately to the foundation of a private company, its board headed by Timms and with Oliver as its chief executive officer, the purpose of which was to ensure the financial security of artists who could then focus on their painting.
[6] The board included a mix of Indigenous and non-Indigenous expertise, and the organisation has in the past received support from the Argyle diamond mine, located in the region.
[1] Following the death of Paddy Bedford, the owners decided to wind up the business and sell its assets.