It is rare to find an institution that can reinvent itself for over seventy years without losing its soul. Ernabella Arts, located in Pukatja at the eastern end of the Musgrave Ranges, holds the distinction of being Australia’s oldest continuously operated Indigenous art centre. Yet, its true legacy isn’t just its age—it is the remarkable way the community has shifted creative gears across generations.
A History of Evolution
As documented in the centre’s own historical records, the journey began in 1948 in a humble missionary craft room. Here, the first “Ernabella Designs” were born, captured in the tactile medium of hand-woven rugs and fabrics. However, the artists of the APY Lands have never been static. In a bold move during the early 1970s, a group of artists travelled to Indonesia to master the complex art of batik. This cross-cultural exchange flourished for three decades, with the centre’s intricate silkworks earning international acclaim and redefining the community’s artistic identity.
By 2003, the community pivoted once again, converting their batik studio into a ceramics workshop. It was a transformative decision that moved the centre towards a new dimension of expression. Today, Ernabella is synonymous nationwide and overseas with world-class Indigenous ceramics, blending ancient traditions with contemporary sculptural forms.
From Decorative Design to Sacred Narrative
Perhaps the most significant evolution has been the shift in the work’s intent. While early designs were often decorative representations of the region, the senior artists eventually decided to move towards a deeper form of storytelling. Today, these works are more than just art pieces; they are vessels for Tjukurpa—the sacred stories of Country, Culture, and Law.
While ceramics have brought a new dimension to the centre, the artist’s mastery extends seamlessly to canvas. These paintings allow for an expansive exploration of Tjukurpa, where intricate dot work and bold lines map out the sacred stories of the APY Lands. This versatility—moving between the kiln and the easel—is a hallmark of the Ernabella spirit. By applying these ancestral narratives to modern ceramic forms and vibrant canvases, the artists ensure their heritage is both preserved and shared with a global audience.
A Community-Owned Legacy
Ernabella Arts remains a 100% Indigenous-owned and run corporation. This independence is a powerful testament to the community’s dedication to protecting their ancestry while fostering an ethical environment for First Nations creators. It stands as a culturally strong model of artistic innovation, where the adaptability of the artists—both young and old, men and women—continues to reinvigorate the Australian art landscape.
Discover Ernabella Arts at Wentworth Galleries.
We invite you to experience this extraordinary history firsthand. Wentworth Galleries is proud to showcase a curated selection of art from Ernabella Arts, ranging from their renowned ceramics to their profound paintings.
Each piece represents a direct link between the oldest running art centre in Australia and the resilient spirit of the Aṉangu people. Visit us in-gallery at Wentworth’s Brisbane location or explore the collection online to find a piece of this enduring legacy for your own collection.
Wentworth Galleries Brisbane: https://www.wentworthgalleries.com.au/brisbane
Ernabella Arts Collection: https://www.wentworthgalleries.com.au/artist/ernabella-arts
Ernabella Arts: https://www.ernabellaarts.com.au/
Gallery location and opening hours:
100 George Street Queen’s Wharf 4000
Telephone (+61) 419-620-788
Sun Mon Tue 10:00am – 6:00pm
Wed Thurs Fri Sat 10:00am – 9:00pm
