Aboriginal Art Blog
ART ARK®

Tjanpi Desert Weavers is an esteemed art collective that revitalises and celebrates the ancient weaving traditions of Aboriginal women from Central Australia via contemporary artworks. Through its commitment to cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and artistic innovation, Tjanpi Desert Weavers has created a lasting impact on the participating communities, while gaining national and international recognition for its exceptional fibre artworks.

Since its establishment in 1985, the art center has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Warlpiri culture through the creation of stunning artworks among many projects. Here are some key events and notable features since it it began:

The Barunga Statement emerged from a historic gathering known as the Barunga Festival, where Indigenous leaders, community members, and government officials came together to engage in meaningful dialogue. During the festival, Prime Minister Bob Hawke was presented with a statement crafted by the leaders of the Northern and Central Land Councils, representing the voice of Aboriginal people across the nation.

Maningrida Arts & Culture thrives on the lands of Kunibídji country in Arnhem Land, situated in Australia's Northern Territory. Spanning an expansive area of 7,000 square kilometers, this region encompasses both land and sea and is home to over 100 clan estates. Within this diverse landscape, the Maningrida community has nurtured a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, where more than 12 distinct languages are spoken. In this article, we delve into the essence of Maningrida Arts & Culture, celebrating the resilience and enduring connection of the Aboriginal people to their ancestral lands.

The 1967 referendum on Aboriginal rights in Australia was a significant milestone in the country's history, reflecting a national desire for change and recognition of the rights of Aboriginal people

What is the Voice to Parliament? The Voice is a proposed body designed to represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. It would provide independent advice to the Parliament and Government, make proactive and responsive representations, and have its own resources for research and advocacy. Members of the Voice would be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, serving for a fixed period of time to ensure accountability. The Voice aims to be representative, inclusive, culturally informed, and gender balanced. It would be accountable, transparent, and subject to governance and reporting requirements. The Voice would collaborate with existing organisations and traditional structures, but would not have a program delivery function or veto power.

From souvenir shops to art galleries, First Nations designs are big business. Australia’s Productivity Commission estimates about $250 million of Indigenous-style art and consumer products are sold annually. But just 16% of that ends up in the hands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

50 years of arts centres Remote art centres are central to today’s internationally successful Indigenous contemporary art industry. They typically have a white art centre manager and other staff overseen by an Indigenous board....

The rock art of northwestern Arnhem Land is world-renowned and represents one of the world’s most enduring artistic cultures.   Rock art is a continuing tradition. It includes images of “outsiders”: people and objects brought to Australian shores by Macassans from southeast Asia and, later, by Europeans.

This 17,500-year-old kangaroo in the Kimberley is Australia’s oldest Aboriginal rock painting