Mimili Maku Arts is situated in the breathtaking Everard Ranges of South Australia
The centre is a vibrant contemporary art studio owned and governed by a strong board of Anangu directors. This community-driven centre supports artists across a diverse range of disciplines, including painting, new media, sculpture, and publishing. At its core, Mimili Maku Arts is a place where Anangu knowledge is celebrated, maintained, and shared daily, fostering a rich environment for intergenerational exchange and learning.
The name "Maku" refers to the witchetty grub, a vital food source and cultural emblem for the Anangu people. This connection to the land and its resources is deeply embedded in the artworks produced at Mimili Maku Arts. The centre's artists draw inspiration from the rich cultural heritage and surrounding landscapes, creating pieces that are as diverse and vibrant as the land itself.
Mimili Maku Arts emerged from the community's desire to create a sustainable and empowering space for artistic expression and cultural preservation. Historically, the area was known as Everard Park, a cattle station returned to Aboriginal ownership through the 1981 APY Land Rights Act. Today, Mimili is home to around 250 Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people, collectively known as Anangu. The community's name derives from Kinara Mimi, a place of water where Kapi Kata (water head/soakage) still lies. Historically known as Pira Mimi, meaning “the moon is just starting to come up” in Yankunytjatjara, this land has always been a place of gathering and unity.
Mimili Maku Arts is celebrated for its bold use of colour and intricate designs, reflecting the diverse cultural narratives of the Anangu people. The centre's senior artists, including Tuppy Goodwin, Betty Pumani, and Ngupulya Pumani, are renowned for their unique styles and dedication to storytelling. Their works often incorporate traditional symbols and stories, capturing the essence of their culture and heritage. Each painting is a deliberate act, with striking colour combinations and meticulous details that bring the canvas to life, transforming cultural stories into powerful visual narratives.
As a grassroots organisation, Mimili Maku Arts supports the vision of its Elders, driving economic, cultural, and social leadership across all levels of its operations. This commitment significantly improves community health and wellbeing. The centre is dedicated to providing economic opportunities for its artists, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work, and reinvesting profits to sustain and grow the vibrant artistic community.
Mimili Maku Arts is a founding member of the APY Art Centre Collective, working alongside families and friends from other APY communities to develop large-scale artistic projects. Through this collective, Mimili Maku Arts has opened galleries in Sydney and Adelaide, increasing support for young and emerging artists in the early stages of their careers. This collaboration has allowed the centre to showcase its artists' incredible talent and rich cultural heritage to a broader audience.
Visitors to Mimili Maku Arts can witness the creative process firsthand, engaging with artists as they work. This interaction provides a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind each piece and highlights the centre's role in maintaining and promoting Anangu culture. The artworks produced at Mimili Maku Arts are not only visually stunning but also carry profound cultural meanings, making them highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide.
Mimili Maku Arts receives funding through the Australian Government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support Program, ensuring its continued impact on the community and beyond. However, in accordance with the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Land Rights Act (1981), there is no public access to Mimili Community, preserving the privacy and cultural integrity of its residents.
In the remote community of Mimili, Mimili Maku Arts stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Aboriginal culture. It is a place where the stories of the past are vividly brought to life through art, ensuring that the rich traditions of the Anangu people continue to inspire and flourish for generations to come.