A Message To Our Members
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and in line with the advice from Australia’s government and public health officials, the Darwin Visual Arts Association has closed our Harbour View Plaza gallery space for the foreseeable future.
Unfortunately, this means the DVA Exhibition Program for 2020 will no longer take place within our physical gallery space, as originally planned.
Instead, DVA proposes to ‘migrate’ all of our artists’ exhibitions into the online space, and exhibit virtually.
As soon as it is possible, of course, we will reopen the DVA Gallery.
We understand that this news may come as yet another blow to you, our amazing artists, who are no doubt already being affected by the postponement or cancellation of events, closure of public spaces and wide-spread loss of income being experienced by the Top End art community.
The DVA staff and Board members are working hard to find a solution so that we may continue to support you and the visual arts community throughout this trying period. We understand the need for additional support from your artist-run-initiative during this uncertain time and look forward to diversifying our offerings for you, our members.
Any feedback, suggestions and ideas are most welcome, please email us
or call the gallery to discuss any thoughts you might have.
We look forward to stepping into the realm of online exhibitions to continue to provide a platform to showcase the amazing artistic talent of the Top End.
Please look after yourselves and each other as we navigate this strange new world, and stay connected to us through phone calls, emails and social media.
Everyone at DVA hopes to be able to see you all, face-to-face, soon.

‘Ways of Seeing: Miya/Significant Plants – Beginnings’ showcases works from five culturally diverse, female artists – Glynis Lee, Angelina Lewis, Juwayning Lorraine Williams, Linda Yarrowin, Nena Zanos - created during a printmaking project at Wagait Beach. Artworks reflect each artist’s personal connection to chosen plants. Accompanying stories and video communicate cultural knowledge.

The viewer is exposed to obscurities of the universe including artwork, ‘Solar Flare’ depicting a solar explosion also, ‘Meteor Shower’ and ‘Supernova’. Energy and passion are radiating from the paintings, highlighting intensity. In contrast, ‘The Wormhole’ and ‘Galaxy’s Breath’ depict the timelessness and constancy of galaxies and the beyond.
Ray Hayes moved to the Northern Territory in the early 1980’s to work in Yirrkala and then Darwin. He was a passionate advocate for Human Rights, Labour Rights, Land Rights and the Environment. Ray assisted Yothu Yindi in obtaining the initial funding for band. He advocated and assisted Aboriginal people throughout his working life at Bagot Community and with the Larrakia Nation.

Elemental is Darwin Visual Arts’ first exhibition of 2025, showcasing the diverse talents of our artists as they explore the elements in both literal and metaphorical forms. This inspiring collection presents vibrant and thought-provoking works that celebrate the forces shaping our world and the essence of existence.