With shared ideas of creating new and lasting opportunities for Indigenous artists from remote communities of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands located in the Far North of South Australia, the APY Art Centre Collective of ten Indigenous owned and governed enterprises have recently launched the new APY Gallery at 45 Burton Street, Darlinghurst.
This Aboriginal cooperative aims to support emerging APY artists to further develop their artistic skills and practices, engage with audiences on a broader scale, build strong networks within the arts, and provide them with the tools needed to work towards successful careers in their chosen fields – carrying with them the knowledge passed on by their grandparents; the senior men and women of the APY Lands.
Throughout the year the APY Gallery’s exhibition program will showcase paintings, traditional punu (wood) carving, weaving, textiles, new media and digital photography.
Jimmy Pompey, 4th February, 2015. Courtesy the artist, Iwantja Arts, South Australia, and APY Gallery, Sydney
This month, until 14 April, ‘Malatja tjutangku ara irititja kunpungku kanyini – Old Knowledge, Young Blood’ presents a selection of artworks from across the APY Lands. Then from 19 April to 12 ‘May A Cowboy Story’ by artist, country musician and retired stockman, Jimmy Pompey, sharing his memories of the times he worked on cattle stations with his brother.
Through this initiative the APY Collective empowers the younger generation of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands with pathways to resilience and a platform to continue telling their stories.
‘Nganampa Art, Nganana walytjanguku Business palyanu. Munula Tjukurpa kunpu kanyini – Our Art. Our Business. Keeps our culture strong.’ – Nyurpaya Kaika, APY Arts Centre Collective
