Ground Swell Araluen at 40 reflects on the four decades of the Araluen Arts Centre and its role as the key exhibiting, collecting and lending gallery on Arrernte Country in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.

Curated around five guiding currents: catalyst, immersion, collision, divergence, surprise, the exhibition presents artworks from Araluen’s extensive permanent collection and artworks it holds on long-term loan. Across these currents it brings into dialogue 200 artworks by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, created across more than 90 years, that embody, engage, explore, challenge and pay homage to this ancient place; the country, its stories and peoples.

Featuring artists of national significance from Central Australia and beyond, Ground Swell Araluen at 40 illuminates the importance of this region in shaping, not only arts practice, but also how we, as a nation, see ourselves and understand this country.

This exciting exhibition is a celebration of the richness and depth that the Araluen Art Collection and the important role the Araluen Arts Centre has played and continues to play in collecting and exhibiting art of this place in this place.