Artists at Warlukurlangu
The Association
Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Association of Yuendumu was incorporated in 1986. Warlukurlangu is a not for profit organisation that has more than 600 members, all of whom are Indigenous artists. It is directed by an executive committee of eight men and eight women representing all the 'skin groups'. It meets regularly to set policy, make decisions about the organisation and direct staff.
In 2005, a short film was made to commemorate Warlukurlangu’s 20 year anniversary celebrations.
Looking after members
The executive committee and staff work as a team. Executive members are on site painting, attending to business and interacting with staff and visitors every day. The centre has been accurately described as the social and cultural 'hub' of the community.
Employment in Yuendumu and local environs is extremely limited and most residents are recipients of government benefits. Participating in the art centre is one of the most popular activities in the area, and provides social, cultural and economic rewards for its members. Warlukurlangu operates as a cooperative with all members being able to access art materials, subject to availability. They then return the completed art work to the centre for cataloguing and marketing. The income from sales is shared between the artist who painted the art work and Warlukurlangu. The art centre's share is spent on: operational expenses, such as freight, power, office and IT equipment; promotions; art materials; and staffing costs. It is also spent on providing tea and coffee facilities, meals for artists and special projects such as bush trips - where artists and family members go out to visit their country (Jukurrpa sites), which can be up to 300kms away.
Warlukurlangu also assists many of its members to maintain their health and wellbeing. For example, in 2005 and 2006, Warlukurlangu took a number of its members interstate for cataract removal operations.
Role within Yuendumu
Warlukurlangu is an essential part of Yuendumu's community life and has been since 1985. Originally, artists worked at the Adult Education Building. However, this lacked even basic facilities and offered only a small degree of shelter. In 1987 the art centre moved to a humble, one-bedroom house west of the current Warlukurlangu art centre. This acted as a dedicated storage, display and materials-preparation area, but the space lacked room for artists to paint on site. In 1991 the artists moved to the current location, into a building which was renovated in 2005. It is now rare for a weekday to pass when artists don't attend the centre to sit and paint. Extended family members continuously visit to chat, observe work and discuss community issues. It is not unusual for upwards of one hundred people to visit the centre over a day.
Warlukurlangu is continuously strengthening its relationships with other community organisations. It has helped the Mt Theo Youth Program to fundraise for a new community pool, organised film nights with Warlpiri Media and painting projects with the Yuendumu School. Warlukurlangu has also started its own community development initiatives, such as the dog program.
Staff
Warlukurlangu employs three permanent staff: a manager, an art coordinator and an assistant manager. It also employs casual staff on a regular basis. Volunteers are frequent and welcome.
Contact Us
Please contact us if you would like to know more.