Babbarra Designs produces fine indigenous textile art at Maningrida in central Arnhem Land operating out of the Babbarra Women’s Centre. The artists depict the landscape, dreaming stories, spirit beings, bush foods and bush crafts from their country. The Maningrida region of central Arnhem Land is one of immense cultural and linguistic diversity. The variation in subject matter reflects the cultural identity of women from the different language groups.

The women produce lino-tile designs and print these on fabric with up to three layers of colour. Each piece of lino fabric is unique with varying tile and colour combinations. The textile artists also hand paint their lino-tiled fabric, further enhancing the creativity of individual pieces. The artists work on both silk and cotton fabrics. The silk fabrics are suitable for use as wall hanging lengths, stretching like paintings or to make clothing and cushions. The cotton fabrics come in an upholstery grade for furniture and in a softer grade cotton for use as wall hangings, table cloths, cushions and clothing.