Our story
Aboriginal-owned and operated gallery and café founded by Yorta Yorta and Bundjalung Winyarr Jodie Matthews.
Jodie Matthews
Sydney's Indigenous-owned gallery café · Art · Coffee · Culture · Music · Fashion · Home of @groundedradio
The Black Canoe is opening its walls to the next wave of artists. Since opening, we've brought art, culture, music and community together through exhibitions, artist talks, openings and collabs.
Our artists have shared bold perspectives and found audiences / collectors near and far — including Germany, USA and China.
Original work, rotating often.
A vibrant cultural and creative space dedicated to showcasing emerging and established artists from across Australia.
Committed to creating opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers.
We provide a platform for diverse creative voices through exhibitions, workshops, cultural events, and community collaborations.
The gallery celebrates artistic excellence, fosters meaningful cultural exchange, and connects artists with collectors and audiences in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
With a strong focus on supporting First Nations artists alongside contemporary creatives, The Black Canoe Gallery Cafe is building a national platform that champions storytelling, innovation, and the rich diversity of Australia's creative landscape.
Coffee brewed slow. Art held close.
Small batch, slow mornings.
Gluten free options available — ask our team about today's flavours.
See the menu
17 exhibitions since August 2025
Every show that has hung on our walls, from our first exhibition to BLAK LUB.
Full archive- 31.08.25Guided Through Country Embedded by Story Lesley Carberry
- 13.09.25New Birthday Sam Bowman
- 11.10.25Sugar High Kyle Wilkinsun
- 08.11.25Moorditj Robyn Jean
- 11.12.25Gathabal Zac Carter
- 18.01.26Love Eternal Lorraine and Joe Byrnes
- 14.02.26Dungala Murray Family
- 07.03.26Dreaming Ron Creevey
- 04.04.26Damn Girl Jesse Walsh
- 09.05.26Land Sea & Sky Faith McLeod
- 30.05.26Fuá Jessika Victória
- 07.06.26Matcha Social Club
- 01.08.26How we move in the dry Molly Hunt
- 2 August — 15 AugustLSJ Private Collection
- 29 August 2026The Black Canoe's first birthday
- 27 September — 16 October 2026Oracle of the Valley Stump Fuck
- 24 October — 22 November 2026BLAK LUB Jessica Johnson
- Opening night Saturday 28 November 2026, 6pmLife Before the World Turns Ordinary Kyle Wilkinsun
Acknowledgement of Country
The Black Canoe acknowledges the Gadigal, Dharawal and Dharug peoples, on whose unceded lands I have lived and worked. Based in Waterloo–Redfern, a birthplace of modern Aboriginal rights and activism, we honour Country, culture and community, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.
A note on cultural respect
Aboriginal-owned and operated gallery and café founded by Yorta Yorta and Bundjalung Winyarr Jodie Matthews.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visitors are advised that this website may contain images and names of people who have passed away.
