Central Arnhem Land artists from various language groups live amongst dry stony country, savannah woodlands, fresh-water swamps and major rivers, and the islands and coastline of the Arafura Sea. Their paintings largely depict complex narratives articulating the creation of specific landscapes and the identities and connections over vast distances of the people who live there.

Within the works in this group lies the genesis of the central/eastern Arnhem Land art movement, illustrating the subjects and painting styles of diverse multi-lingual groups and artist families.

Most artists from the central region connect with the Maningrida settlement and Maningrida Arts and Culture, which was set up to support and encourage artists to paint for the growing market. As in other community art centres it provides logistical assistance, records and documents works, and markets them through general sales and exhibitions – ensuring that artists are well represented and properly remunerated.