Aboriginal Art in Alice Springs - Galleries, Art Centres and Buy Online

Alice Springs - Mparntwe to the Arrernte people - is the heartland of Central Australian Aboriginal art. It was here in the early 1970s that senior desert men at the community of Papunya first began painting their Dreaming stories using modern materials, sparking an art movement that would become one of the most significant in the world. Today the town remains central to Aboriginal art in Australia, with art centres, galleries and working studios throughout the region. Here is a guide to where you can view and experience Aboriginal art in Alice Springs.

Araluen Arts Centre

The Araluen Arts Centre is the cultural heart of Alice Springs, housing over 1,100 artworks in its permanent collection with a strong focus on Central Desert Aboriginal art. The centre includes a dedicated Albert Namatjira gallery celebrating the work of one of Australia's most celebrated artists, and each year hosts Desert Mob - one of the most significant showcases of Aboriginal art from community art centres across Central Australia.

Papunya Tula Artists

Papunya Tula Artists is entirely owned and directed by Aboriginal people from the Western Desert, predominantly of the Luritja and Pintupi language groups. Founded in the early years of the Papunya art movement, it now represents around 120 artists whose work is held in major public galleries and museums across Australia and internationally. Their Alice Springs gallery is one of the most important destinations for serious collectors of Central Desert art.

Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands Art Centre)

Iltja Ntjarra is an Aboriginal owned and directed not-for-profit art centre in Alice Springs, home to the Namatjira watercolour tradition. Established for Western Arrernte artists, it provides studio space, arts training and marketing support while representing the breadth of Central Australian cultural diversity.

Tangentyere Artists

Tangentyere Artists is an Aboriginal owned art centre representing members of every Town Camp community throughout Central Australia. By purchasing work here, buyers are directly supporting artists and communities across the Alice Springs region.

Art by Farquhar

For those looking to purchase original Aboriginal paintings online, Art by Farquhar is a specialist gallery for Central Desert and APY Lands art, with free worldwide shipping across Australia. Based in Edwardstown, South Australia, the gallery works directly with artists and their families from communities including Willowra, Yuendumu, Utopia, Ernabella and Watarru - many of which are within reach of Alice Springs. All works come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Browse the full collection and order online at farquhar.art or contact us at sales@farquhar.art.