Good Things Happen In Alice Springs Too!

So many events are happening in Alice Springs in the next two weeks. Here is a list of great Aboriginal art events that shouldn't be missed.

1. Desert Mob - Celebrating 25 years

Araluen Art Centre / Via Facebook

Desert Mob is an annual exhibition of Aboriginal art work from Art Centres in remote central Australia. Opening night is a frenzy of thousands of people clamoring to view the best works from over 250 Aboriginal Artists.

2. Desert Mob Symposium

Desart / Via Facebook

This event is titled Stories from the Artists, and thats exactly what it is. Aboriginal people telling the stories of the art works for the year, in their own voice. Watch previous years presentations here

They are also teasing this years program on their facebook page

3. Desart Art Worker Photography Prize

Alison Multa / Via Desart - Facebook

This prize was created after artworkers wanted somewhere to show off their photography skills they had learnt in their art centres. This work above sold out opening night.

Other gems here here and here

4. Dance Site

Araluen Art Centre / Via Facebook

Dance Site is returning for the 25th anniversary of Desert Mob to the lawns of the Araluen Art Centre after being away for some years now. Traditional singing and dancing by central Australian men and women, celebrating their stories, their law, and their culture.

5. Desert Mob Market Place

Steve Pearce

Ever seen grown men and women sneak under barricades to be the first people into a Aboriginal art market. I have! Paintings being strewn about in the back room of Witchetty's, hungry buyers with arms laden with hidden treasures. Over 30 Art Centres delivering works all priced under $500 in a four hour buying frenzy. Has to be seen to be believed.

6. Selfies 2 - Tangentyere Artists

Tangentyere Artists / Via Facebook

Amazing self portraits by Town Camp artists, using 'selfies' of themselves as the muse to paint by. This year more than 40 artworks will be on display. More info here

7. Yuendumu Men's Museum Opening

Warlukulangu Artists / Via desart.com.au

About 400km down the track is Yuendumu. They are re-opening a men's museum that holds murals from 30-40 years ago. Such an important thing for this community, having taken 8 years to rebuild this historic building. More info here and here

8.

Tjanpi Desert Weavers / Via us2.campaign-archive1.com

Vibrant baskets, unique sculptures and painted seed jewellery hand made by over 400 female fibre artists from the 26 remote communities of the NPY lands.

Tjanpi is a not for profit social enterprise of the NPY Women’s Council, an Aboriginal owned and governed organisation. All proceeds go directly back into supporting the artists and their families.

And simply stunning...I own many!

9. Tjala Arts

Tjala Arts / Via Facebook

The lives and stories of Tjala Artists beautifully presented. These men and woman have amazing tales and photos to share. Find them here and here

10. Red Centre NATS

Tjala Arts / Via Facebook

Red CentreNATS is Australia’s newest automotive lifestyle festival celebrating all things wheels. Encompassing everything in CARS, including Aboriginal painted car bonnets!