Investing in remote communities with new arts centre
The Federal Government has committed to invest in remote communities, with the official opening of a new Utopia Art Centre in Central Australia.
The purpose-built centre in Arlparra, 250 kilometres north east of Alice Springs, supports artists across 16 remote Northern Territory homelands.
The Albanese Government supported the Urapuntja Aboriginal Corporation to establish the centre with a $2.06 million investment through the Aboriginal Benefit Account (ABA) Capital Works Program.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said the opening of the centre marked a significant new chapter for the region.
“The spectacular new centre will showcase the extraordinary talents of local artists and help boost cultural tourism and economic development in the Barkly region,” she said.
“The beautiful new space that’s 100 per cent Indigenous owned and community-led will also provide local employment opportunities.”
Assistance also came from the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) Program, the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC), the Central Land Council and Arts NT.
World-renowned
The new centre includes studios and a gallery space which will honour the spirit of Alyawarr and Anmatyerr Country and the world-renowned work of Utopia’s artists.
The opening of the new Utopia Art Centre signals a powerful new era for the Homelands art movement.
From the legacy of Emily Kame Kngwarreye to today’s leading artists Abie Loy Kemarre, Jennifer Purvis Kngwarreye, Angeline Pwerle, Ruby and Lucky Kngwarreye Morton and Julie Pungata, Utopia continues to inspire art lovers in Australia and overseas.
Urapuntja Aboriginal Corporation Chair, Malcolm Loy said it would enable his community to share stories through culture and art.
“Our artists make us proud that the world knows our stories through their art,” he said.
“Our artists are strong people and we now have a good place for our artists. They can paint and yarn. Visitors can come and see their stories. These are good things.”
The new larger centre gives artists a permanent home to create, share culture and carry the movement forward with strength and pride, as well as boosting economic empowerment in the Barkly region through tourism, employment and cultural exchange.
And Barkly Regional Council Mayor Sid Vashist was delighted with the opening.
“From the sandhills of the Sandover to the halls of the Tate, Utopia’s artists have carried Country to the world,” he said.
“This new art centre brings the world back to Utopia, keeping culture strong, creating jobs on Country and giving our kids a place to dream big.”
