The Albanese Labor Government continues to deliver on its commitment 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.
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.
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.
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.
Indigenous art centres support artists to earn an income, develop professional skills and connect with the art market while preserving stories and heritage, contributing to a sustainable future rooted in culture and creativity.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“The opening of the Utopia Art Centre marks a significant new chapter for the region that’s produced some of the world’s most renowned artists.
“The spectacular new centre will showcase the extraordinary talents of local artists and help boost cultural tourism and economic development in the Barkly region.
“The beautiful new space that’s 100 per cent Indigenous owned and community-led will also provide local employment opportunities.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke MP:
“I’m proud to support the Utopia Art Centre as an innovative, community space to celebrate First Nations art and culture.
“It’s crucial that we provide First Nations people with infrastructure to share and safeguard their stories for generations to come.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities and Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:
“Delivering for regional Australia is a key priority for the Albanese Labor Government.
“We know that investing in remote communities delivers results. The new Utopia Art Centre will nurture the next generation of artists, help keep culture strong, deliver valuable tourism opportunities to the Barkly region and increase job opportunities.
“Our government is committed to building up the regions and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to express their culture while accessing more economic opportunities is the best way to achieve this.”
Quotes attributable to Urapuntja Aboriginal Corporation Chair, Malcolm Loy:
“We share our stories through our culture and our art.
“Our artists make us proud that the world knows our stories through their art.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Barkly Regional Council Mayor, Sid Vashist:
“From the sandhills of the Sandover to the halls of the Tate, Utopia’s artists have carried Country to the world.
“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.”