Martha Nakamarra Poulson painting at Arlpwe Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre © Arlpwe Art and Culture Centre
Aboriginal Art from Ali Curung
The Arlpwe Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre showcases the creative strength of Ali Curung’s Indigenous artists. It is a place where traditional knowledge, ceremony, and contemporary expression come together in powerful artworks.
Artists from four language groups, Warlpiri, Kaytetye, Alyawarra, and Warumungu, create a wide range of works. Their paintings, sculptures, and cultural objects reflect Country, Dreaming stories, and ongoing connections to kinship and land. Each piece carries both ancestral meaning and individual expression.
The centre plays a vital role for the community. It provides a platform for artists, supports livelihoods, and shares Aboriginal culture with a wider audience. Every artwork sold extends this impact, keeping traditions alive while strengthening the future of Ali Curung families.
Visitors and collectors experience more than artworks on display. They gain insight into the stories, symbols, and processes behind each creation. Many works feature iconic desert painting traditions, while others show the diverse techniques and materials unique to Central Australia.
Arlpwe stands as a cultural stronghold in the Northern Territory, presenting Aboriginal art that is authentic, community-driven, and deeply tied to Country.
Arlpwe Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre at a glance
- Origins: The community founded in the 1950s, art centre opened in 2008. The name ‘Arlpwe’ is pronounced Ahl-boa.
- Language/Culture: Warlpiri, Kaytetye, Alyawarra, and Warumungu peoples.
- Art Style: Local bush foods, bush medicines, water and animals are often the subject of their paintings.
- Cultural Significance: Keeps traditions strong and provides cultural continuity for families.
- Recognition: Exhibited nationally and collected for its authenticity and depth.
