Coffee shops within art galleries is no new phenomenon, but in the Northern Territory it makes for a unique experience.
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Nine years after opening the doors to the public with its ever-changing collection of art, the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre has opened a new cafe - the Espresso Nook.
Nestled off to the side at the entrance of the current exhibition showcasing Warnayaka Art - Works of the Warlpiri People - the Nook has been a hive of activity on day one.
"I've never worked somewhere so unique," manager Madeleine McManus said.
Moving from Brisbane last year in September to help her dad run Kumbidgee - a native tucker-inspired sit-down dining restaurant that re-opened in 2020 - McManus says the Nook is a far cry from what she is used to.
"I came from working at Coffee Iconic in Brisbane, which was fast-paced and chaotic, to the serenity of the Nook. There is no place like it with the ever-changing art."
Plans to open a cafe within the gallery space have long been on the agenda for the cultural centre.
However, with fresh faces behind the scene, including new manager Jessica Powter, changes have accelerated at rapid speed.
Only a few months into the new year, GYRACC has centred itself as the place to be with music nights at Funky First Fridays, comedy shows and shining exhibitions showcasing local artwork.
"A coffee shop has always been a part of the grand plan," Ms Powter said.
"With the venue hire we have up to 200 people for functions and we wanted to give people a better experience when they come to the gallery.
"We want it to be a place people can come and work in the quiet and catch up with friends - the reality is people would look at art and then leave, but this positions us as a place people can meet."
The cafe will also be running as a training centre for young soon-to-be baristas who need a foot in the door.
Off the back of a successful school holiday program teaching youth aged 11-15 the skills to make coffee, the course is expected to train up the next generation of avid hospitality workers.
"There are so many coffee machines in Katherine - we counted roughly 36 - and they all need experienced baristas behind them," Ms Powter said.
"So we can now offer that free training for young people to give them a shot at getting into the industry."
The Nook is open Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 1.30pm for coffee.
Small sweet and savory items will be the next step.
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