Description of the attraction
The Araluen Arts Center, which combines 4 galleries and a theater, is Alice Springs' premier venue for exhibitions and performances. It was opened in 1984.
The galleries focus on the work of Central Australian Aboriginal artists, as well as contemporary art. Here are collected works from the 1930s to the present day. An important part of the collection is the work of the artist Albert Namatir, who was instrumental in promoting local Aboriginal art; the intricate works of Papunya; and the work of contemporary artists living in remote communities. Among the interesting expositions of the center is the collection "Weavers of the Tianpi Desert", consisting of 81 items, woven by women from the Central Desert region. Here you can see baskets, animal figurines and sculptures made of emu feathers, wool, grass, beads and other materials. Another collection features 30 indigenous clothing items from Australia. Since 1991, Araluen has been holding an annual Desert Mob arts festival, where new works are presented.
The center's 500-seat theater provides a stage for dramatic, dance and music events. It also often hosts art-house movie screenings.
Of particular interest is the building of the Araluen Center itself - it was built next to a 300-year-old cork tree in the Sculpture Garden. This tree and the nearby Big Sister Hill are considered sacred by the Arrernte Aborigines. In addition, the Aralwen Center is part of the Alice Springs Cultural District - adjacent to the Central Australian Museum, Strehlow Research Center, Central Australian Aviation Museum, Central Crafts Shop and Yepereni Sculpture.
