After five incredible years in Brisbane’s Cultural Centre Precinct, Aboriginal Art Co is on the move - returning to where our dream first began.

From Humble Beginnings at Open House

In 2018, founders Troy Casey and Amanda Hayman joined the Open House Collective at 73 Vulture Street, West End, led by Nick and Mia Godding. Surrounded by a thriving creative community, they saw firsthand the growing demand for authentic First Nations art and design. It was here that the first business case for Aboriginal Art Co was written.

Around the same time, an inquiry during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games revealed that nearly 80% of Aboriginal-style souvenirs were made overseas by non-Indigenous people. This confronting reality became a powerful motivator to create an organisation that celebrates and protects the integrity of genuine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

In a small back-room office at Open House (also home to their profit-for-purpose business Blaklash) Troy and Amanda began shaping what would become a nationally recognised not-for-profit organisation and charity dedicated to promoting authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture.

Building a Business in the Heart of the City

In 2020, Aboriginal Art Co moved into The Design Bank in South Brisbane, right in the heart of the city’s cultural precinct. It was a bold, self-funded step forward, driven by belief and determination.

“We bootstrapped the business ourselves because we wanted to prove that a First Nations-led art organisation could thrive in the middle of the city,” says Co-Founder and Managing Director, Amanda Hayman. “I think we did that pretty well.”

From day one, Aboriginal Art Co has balanced commercial success with community purpose, combining revenue from art sales with vital support through grants and philanthropy. We proudly showcase and sell artworks from 27 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art centres across Australia, alongside products from 41 independent First Nations artists and arts businesses.

This model allows us to generate income that flows directly back to artists and communities, while maintaining the sustainability of our operations. Aboriginal Art Co also receives operational funding from multiple partners: we are supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the Australian Government through Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS), and with philanthropic support from the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation (TFFF).

We’ve presented inspiring exhibitions, artist talks, workshops, and community events, working with talented artists from across the country. As a result, Aboriginal Art Co became a trusted destination for genuine connection to First Nations art and culture.

“We’ve grown exponentially,” says Co-Founder and Board Chair, Troy Casey. “It’s been incredible to see how far we’ve come thanks to the support of our arts community, funding bodies and loyal customers.”

Strength in Community and Partnership

Aboriginal Art Co has thrived through the strength of its relationships. From collaborations with the Fish Lane Arts Precinct to partnerships with leading cultural institutions including QAGOMA, QPAC, Queensland Museum - World Science Festival, these connections have shaped our growth and visibility in Brisbane’s cultural heart.

While our doors at The Design Bank will close on 19 December 2025, our connections in this neighbourhood will remain strong. We’ll continue to curate First Nations art in the Fish Lane vitrines and program events in their Town Square, while seeking new opportunities to collaborate and celebrate culture together.

A Glimpse of What’s Next

As we move into the new year, we’re thrilled to announce that Aboriginal Art Co is returning home to West End; a place rich in creativity, diversity, and story.

This move represents a full-circle moment. West End is where Aboriginal Art Co was born, and it feels right to bring our work back to the community that first inspired us.

Taking over the Open House space is just the beginning. As part of our long-term growth strategy, we’ll soon open a dedicated gallery space nearby - designed to showcase exhibitions, host community events, workshops and provide a platform for emerging First Nations artists.

Our long-term vision remains the same: to establish an Aboriginal designed, purpose-built First Nations arts and cultural hub in Brisbane’s city centre. And we welcome conversations with anyone the wants to support this dream. Until then, we’ll keep doing what we do best - building, creating, and celebrating the strength, diversity, and brilliance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture.

Stay Connected

Follow Aboriginal Art Co on Instagram and Facebook for updates on our new West End spaces and the upcoming exhibition and events program. 

We can’t wait to welcome you into our new spaces in 2026!