New Utopia Art Centre opens
Utopia’s world-renowned artists have a new home, with the official opening of the purpose-built Utopia Art Centre in Arlparra, 250 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs.
The centre, which supports artists across 16 remote homelands in Central Australia, features studio spaces and a gallery designed to honour the spirit of Alyawarr and Anmatyerr Country; providing a permanent home for artists to create their art, and share their culture, carrying it forward for generations to come.
The Chair of Urapuntja Aboriginal Corporation, which led the establishment of the centre, said that the opening is a moment of pride and cultural affirmation.
“Our artists make us proud that the world knows our stories through their art,” said Chair Malcolm Loy.
“Our artists are strong people, and we now have a good place them. They can paint and yarn. Visitors can come and see their stories. These are good things”.
Utopia has long been recognised as a powerhouse of First Nations art, with the legacy of Emily Kame Kngwarreye continuing through contemporary artists such as Abie Loy Kemarre, Jennifer Purvis Kngwarreye, Angeline Pwerle, Ruby and Lucky Kngwarreye Morton, and Julie Pungata. Their work has captivated audiences both in Australia and internationally.
The new centre is 100 per cent Indigenous-owned and community-led, providing not only a creative space but also local employment and tourism opportunities. It is expected to play a key role in economic empowerment for the Barkly region, while preserving cultural heritage and supporting intergenerational knowledge transfer.
The Utopia Art Centre was made possible through support from the Australian Government through the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA), managed by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) Program, the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC), the Central Land Council and Arts NT.
The new facility contributes to Closing the Gap through Priority Reform 2, building the community-controlled sector and working towards Outcome 16, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and languages are strong, supported and flourishing.
