After six months of closure due to COVID-19, Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute are launching a worldwide exhibition on Friday October 2 to celebrate both their reopening and 30th birthday in style.
‘Atnwengerrp – Our Apmere, Our Place’ will exhibit works by four generations of artists from the small community of Atnwengerrp (pronounced A-NOONG-a-pa) located 270kms North-East of Alice Springs.
The exhibition is inspired by Country – Atnwengerrp – and showcases the entire community which consists of approximately 100 people. The stunning new monochromatic collection of artwork pays homage to Dreamings, Country and Ancestors.
In a collaboration that facilitates a direct partnership with community, Tandanya is honoured to present this exhibition which travels full circle back to 1989 when Tandanya first opened its doors to the public.
The first exhibition presented was ‘Utopia – A Picture Story’, Women’s work on silk from the Robert Holmes a’ Court collection.
‘Atnwengerrp – Our Apmere, Our Place’ is presented in collaboration with Pwerle Gallery, a 100 per cent Aboriginal family-owned company.
The Adelaide gallery was founded in late 2015 by Jade Torres, the daughter of internationally renowned art dealer Fred Torres. Extended members of Jade’s family make up the four generations of artists featured in this exciting new exhibition.
Throughout their temporary closure, the Tandanya team worked tirelessly on two projects that celebrate the incredible work and legacy that Tandanya has established since 1989.
One project, an anniversary short film titled ’30 30 30’ will feature 30-second video clips from 30 community members and supporters sharing their thoughts on the contribution made by Tandanya over the past 30 years as Australia’s only national Aboriginal cultural institute.
In August, Tandanya released their other project: a music video titled ‘Still Stylin’ 2020’, featuring musicians, dancers, and visual artists collaborating on a mashup of songs by Christine Anu.
Behind the closed doors of this important and high valued cultural space, the artists were determined to work during a difficult time to keep the community strong whilst looking ahead to the possibility of re-opening.
Tandanya CEO Dennis Stokes said that the Tandanya team is proud of the achievements they have made over the last three decades as Australia’s only national Aboriginal cultural institute.
“Tandanya has been about self-determination for 30 years,” he said.
“Nobody is going to tell our stories better than we can and we will continue to survive and thrive well beyond our 30th year, with thanks to all of the incredible staff and supporters who have stood beside us since day one.”
When Tandanya first opened its doors in 1989, it launched with a month-long festival which featured three consecutive nights of concerts by Yothu Yindi, dedicated performances by Jimmy Little and Bangarra Dance Theatre, along with the Ernabella Inma (traditional dance ceremony) group sharing traditional dances.
Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute reopens to the public from Saturday October 3 and is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Visit the newly reopened institute today and experience the stunning exhibit yourself!
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