Palya Tours Q's DAAT FAQ

Do the artists like us coming?
Mostly yes, especially by aeroplane after requesting to visit and with lots of notice. Staying for an agreed amount of time is also appreciated as people in the community can then plan for our visit, focus on us when we arrive and then get on with their own lives when we leave. Coming by ‘plane we can be seen departing. This respect for peoples privacy is one of the reasons Didgeri Air Art Tours has been welcomed for so long.

How do we speak to people - is there an interpreter?
As many of the older people we meet speak their own language - plus up to seven or more other Indigenous languages - it’s fine to talk normally and after a while if an interpreter is required someone may well step forward. With respect it is polite if asking a question to wait before asking another, because if the enquirer goes on asking questions then the question before is deemed unimportant and left alone - leading to long silences.

How long do the art tours go for?
Five days usually.

What sort of aeroplane do we fly in?
Twin engined professionaly crewed, maintained and operated under Civl Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules. Aircraft have from four to fourteen seats. The best number of people to have on a tour is 7 passengers and Helen or 7 passengers and Helen plus another pilot if two pilot’s required.

How do we get from the aeroplane to the Art Centres?
Sometimes the Art Centres are so close to the airstrip we can walk. Other times community members will come and meet us with vehicles.

Where do we sleep?
At cattle stations such as Mt. Elizabeth in Kimberley, Hotels, in communities when accommodation allows, safari camps and fishing lodges.

What do we eat?
A variety of the healthiest, freshest food available; often brought with us.

Can we purchase artwork if we want to?
Yes but there is no expectation to buy on tour - even though income is welcome. Often after participating in a tour people go on to learn more by visiting commercial and non commercial galleries. With fresh connections to the Art Centres informed choices can be made from either the Art Centre of it’s gallery representatives. Personally I find it’s very special to live with an artwork as a form of memory or diary of time, person and place, let alone the beauty of it.

How do we get artwork home if we buy any?
If able to be carried in the plane we can often take it but usually it’s better left to be packed properly and sent by post or freight to you home.


What sort of payment is accepted?
Direct bank transfer, credit cards, cash, cheques. An invoice is supplied with the catalogued painting’s details.

What do we bring?
Please refer to the What To Bring List under Tour Information scrolled nearby

Can I bring my camera?
Yes you may but taking photographs is a sensitive issue and not permitted unless directly approved of by the person being photographed. This permission protocol includes asking the appropriate cultural custodian about any areas, including a house, street or community landscape. Arial photography is excluded. There are areas in and around communities that may be sensitive not only for cultural and privacy reasons but associated with a person’s passing which may not wish to be discussed.

Regarding artworks, these are often subject to copyright agreements so please ask first here too.