Warakurna Artists - Yurliya Gallery - WA

Tourists driving the Great Central Road through the Gibson Desert in Central Australia will now be able to visit an exciting new ‘desert style’ gallery.

Warakurna Artists Aboriginal Corporation’s unique Yurliya Gallery is located in Warakurna Community’s roadhouse complex, 330km west of Uluru in Western Australia.

“It’s a cultural and artistic oasis, right here in Warakurna. An opportunity for people to experience firsthand some of the most exciting art making in the country and to learn about Ngaanyatjarra Culture”.

The funky ‘desert’ gallery offers a range of paintings, fibre art and traditional wooden artefacts for sale. Visitors will be treated to interpretive materials designed by the artists, including a multi-media film made by local women giving an insight into Ngaanyatjarra culture and artistic practices.

The gallery redevelopment was funded by Warakurna Community Council, Ngaanyatjarra Council and Warakurna Artists. Local community members were involved in the design and construction of the space. Training will be ongoing with Warakurna Artist’s arts-workers receiving training in customer service and sales so they will be able to run and work in the gallery.

Warakurna Artists Art Centre is owned and governed by Aboriginal people. The new gallery offers enormous potential for further enterprise development in Warakurna Community, including cultural tourism prospects. These initiatives will be overseen by Ngaanyatjarra people and will contribute to long term economic and employment opportunities for community members. This is a good news story for Warakurna Community.

A new espresso machine is also on its way to Warakurna Roadhouse and there will be some desert baristas making cafe’ latte and macchiato. It will be the most exciting cultural and coffee experience in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands!

“Our people are so proud of this gallery; they put their heart into building it. This gallery is here for our future, for our children. Our paintings tell our stories; they are our memories and a hand of friendship to you. We look forward to seeing everyone here.