A Guide to the Art Scene in Alice Springs

The art scene is rich with Aboriginal art in Alice Springs. The ancient cultural and artistic practices of our First Nation’s artists across the Central and Western Desert region are alive and thriving. The numerous community art centres across this vast region have a strong presence in Alice Springs, through various art galleries, collectives and enterprises.

1. Tjanpi Desert Weavers

3 Wilkinson Street

A social enterprise of the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women’s Council, Tjanpi Desert Weavers works with women in the remote Central and Western Desert region to generate sustainable income from their contemporary fibre art. Their gallery in Alice Springs boasts an ever-evolving offering of Tjanpi baskets, sculptures, jewellery, merchandise, and books.

2. Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre

29 Wilkinson Street

Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) is an Aboriginal owned and directed not-for-profit art centre. Home of the Namatjira watercolour artists, it was established for Western Arrernte artists to come together to paint, share and learn new techniques and ideas. The centre is strongly committed to improving economic participation of Aboriginal people and maintaining cultural heritage. 

3. Araluen Art Centre

61 Larapinta Drive

The Araluen Arts Centre is the visual art and performance hub of Central Australia, presenting an annual program of exhibitions, performances, and film. Known as the keeping place of stories, Araluen holds some of the most significant works of art in Central Australia. 

4. Yubu Napa

65 Hartley Street

Yubu Napa art gallery, studio and gift shop on Hartley Street is a special space featuring some of the top artists from Central Australia and the Top End. Experience the rare privilege of meeting some of the artists who create these beautiful pieces in the on-site studio. 

5. This is Aboriginal Art 

87 Todd Mall

This is Aboriginal Art has a wide selection of ethically sourced Aboriginal art for sale from Australia’s leading Indigenous artists. They work to connect the most sought after Aboriginal artists with collectors and art admirers, and all of their artworks come with a certificate of authenticity.

6. Tjutangku Tjukurrpa (Waltja)

3 Ghan Road

Waltja’s social enterprise, Tjutangku Tjukurrpa, sees over 500 people annually sharing traditional art skills across generations. This includes making seed jewellery, wood burning and carving and traditional paint styles, as well as incorporating and exploring modern art forms. The project is about everyone’s Dreaming stories and keeping culture strong.

7. Bindi Mwerre Anthurre Artists

47 Elder Street

Bindi Enterprises provides supported employment and training opportunities for people living with disability. The Bindi Mwerre Anthurre Artists’ studio is the first of its kind in Australia: providing supported studio spaces for Indigenous artists living with a disability, it helps them develop and receive recognition for their artistic creations.

8. Tangentyere Artists

16 Fogarty Street

This Aboriginal owned art centre provides arts training and workshops, as well as marketing and sales support for its artists. It represents the breadth and depth of Central Australian cultural diversity. By purchasing the iconic Town Camp art from Tangentyere Artists, you are supporting members of every community throughout Central Australia.