Ernabella Arts

Established in 1948, Ernabella Arts is Australia’s oldest, continuously running Indigenous art centre. Ernabella Arts is in Pukatja, the first permanent settlement on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands (APY Lands) in the far north-west of South Australia. The Presbyterian Board of Missions established the mission in 1937, and a craft room began in 1948. The first craft products were hand-loomed woven fabrics and hand-pulled and knotted floor rugs with a unique pattern known as ‘the Ernabella walka’ (design).

In recent years, senior women decided to depict their Tjukurpa (sacred stories of country and law). Ernabella Arts’ inimitable reputation lies in the adaptability and innovation of the artists, who have been introduced to many different mediums since the craft room began. They are known today for their ceramic works, paintings and, recently, jewellery.

Ernabella Arts’ reputation lies in the adaptability and innovation of its artists, who are known for their ceramic works, paintings and, recently, jewellery.