Initiated in October 2006, Papunya Tjupi Art Centre is a new arts project based in the Aboriginal community of Papunya, 250kms east of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. The project is a major collaborative effort between the artists of Papunya and Professor Vivien Johnson, of the College of Fine Arts (COFA), University of NSW. The purpose of the project is to establish a ‘community-based art centre’ in Papunya with the support of the community, government agencies and regional representative bodies. It is expected that up to 60 artists, many of whom are already recognised talent, will paint at the new art centre.

In the past, the artists were serviced by renowned Papunya Tula Pty Ltd which is based in Alice Springs. As this relationship declined, Warumpi Arts was established by the Papunya Community Council in 1994 to represent artists living in Papunya. Papunya Tula now focuses on Kintore and Kirrikurra. The abrupt closure of Warumpi in 2004 by the Papunya Council left the artists with no representation and at the mercy of private dealers ­- many of whom are unethical in their business practices. It is hoped that once the new art centre is established the dependence on private dealers will be reduced.

From the very beginning, the artists strongly indicated the education of young people in arts practice and industry skills was the primary motivation for the establishment of their own art centre. The co-founder and Committee Member of Papunya Tjupi, Mr Long Jack Phillipus and elder/artist, Mr Michael Jagamara Nelson, expressed a deep-held believe that young people need to learn the stories and the painting skills from the older artists. 

The skills of the senior members of Papunya Tjupi are already well-recognised by art collectors and commercial galleries, having been established more or less since the beginning of the Central Desert art movement in the late 1970’s. Their expertise and experience have been passed onto the next generation, who make up the current group, and their children who are now following in their footsteps.

The calibre, skills and experience of the artists was recently confirmed by a near sell out exhibition in Sydney in September/October with 35 artists participating.  The exhibition comprised works by senior artists such as Long Jack Phillipus, Michael Jakamara Nelson and William Sandy together with many young emerging artists.

The actual operation of the art centre began with the appointment of Sara Twigg-Patterson in October 2007 – a year after the legalities of setting up the art centre was completed. Sara has worked extensively in the visual arts namely as a graphic designer; in marketing and communications as a public relations professional; and recently as the Manager of Tjala Arts – an Aboriginal art center based in South Australia. 

For the time being, the art centre is operating out of Sara’s house in Papunya until a facility at the school has been renovated sufficiently. The artists collect paint and canvas from Sara before returning home to paint. Finished canvases are either picked up by Sara or dropped off by the artists or family. The 2-3 year plan is the renovation of a heritage listed ‘green stilt’ house which will encompass a working space for artists below and a gallery and staff accommodation in the house above.

The art centre is a registered as Papunya Tjupi Art Centre Aboriginal Corporation, trading as Papunya Tjupi Arts. It is an Aboriginal owned and directed small business. During the past year we have received various grants from the NT and federal Governments to assist in setting up the project and the exhibition in Sydney.