It's a 60-year-old building, way off the beaten path of Katherine's main street, with barely any funding for advertising, let alone a sign pointing out its whereabouts.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Yet somehow Mimi Aboriginal Arts has come out on top in the 2019 Chamber of Commerce Customer Service Awards, celebrated over the weekend.
For the staff, artists and board of the only Indigenous owned and run art centre in Katherine, the win was a moment of shock and surprise.
"Being an Aboriginal business I feel like we have to work harder to overcome stereotypes," executive officer Michael Miller said.
"We didn't do anything out of the ordinary this year, but we take pride in what we have here and pass on knowledge to people who seek us out."
Running since 1978, the centre houses Indigenous artwork from artists spanning an expansive 380,000 square kilometres.
It is a direct income for hundreds of Katherine artists and a chance for many to pass on stories of culture.
But the staff say it's their commitment to going the extra mile which won them the award.
"People have a stereotypical view that we are constantly trying to break down, but when they step in here (the art centre) with us behind the counter providing great service we are able to change those views," gallery manager Cassandra Trevilyan-Hayes said.
"Our work has a direct impact for many in the community, it is a lifeline for many, an income for many, and a chance for artists to tell their stories and pass on knowledge.
"We rely on word of mouth, so we want every customer leaving with a positive experience."
Finalists in the awards last year, Mimi Aboriginal Arts has been making strides since.
It is not uncommon to see artists finishing off a canvas for the next traveller seeking out a token of the longest living culture to take home with them.
It has been granted $2 million from the NT Government to revamp the outdated building.
The art has been showcased across Australia at a range of art fairs, and propped in homes all over the world.
Mr Miller said the recognition was not only a well deserved pat on the back for the staff, but also significantly beneficial for the artists.
"We all know why tourists come to the Territory, they come here to experience the rich Indigenous culture and art. If we can showcase our artists in a positive light, that has a huge flow on effect," he said.
"Winning the award instills pride that we are doing our job well, there were definitley some tears of joy on the night."
Up against, Landmark and last year's winner, the Beagle Motor Inn, Katherine's Chamber of Commerce executive officer Sue Jones said the win for Mimi Aboriginal Arts recognised the quality of art in Katherine and the staff's commitment to excellence.
"The nominations were consistent in that they were mainly from tourists who said the gallery was amazing, the quality of art was like no other and the fact they were able to interact with the artists was a plus," she said.
"Comments highlighted the fantastic staff and their commitment to providing information and stories about the art - those comments were very consistent."
The Chamber of Commerce Customer Service Awards are held annually in Katherine.
Now in its seventh year, the awards seek to highlight the importance of customer service while encouraging those working in the community to strive to exceed customers' expectations.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.
