Thursday 1 October marked the 30th anniversary since Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institutes opened its doors.
After a six month COVID induced closure, Tandanya, Australia’s only national Aboriginal cultural institute, will launch an exclusive new worldwide exhibition to celebrate both its re-opening and 30th anniversary.
The exhibition, Atnwengerrp – Our Apmere, Our Place, will exhibit works by four generations of artists from the small community of Atnwengerrp (pronounced A-NOONG-a-pa) within the region of Utopia, NT.
The collection is inspired by the entire community of Atnwengerrp, which consists of approximately 100 people.
The stunning new monochromatic collection of artwork pays homage to Dreamings, Country and Ancestors.
Charmaine Pwerle 
Molly Pwerle 
Charmaine Pwerle
In a collaboration that facilitates a direct partnership with the community, Tandanya is honoured to present this exhibition.
The first exhibition presented at Tandanya in 1989 was Utopia – A Picture Story, Womens work on silk, from the Robert Holmes a’ Court collection.
Thirty years on, the artwork of the Utopia region will again grace the walls of the Tandanya gallery.
Atnwengerrp – Our Apmere, Our Place, is presented in collaboration with Pwerle Gallery, a 100% Aboriginal, family-owned company.
Situated in Adelaide, the gallery was founded in late 2015 by Jade Torres, the daughter of internationally renowned art dealer, Fred Torres.
Extended members of Jade Torres’ family make up the four generations of artists featured in this exciting new exhibition.
An anniversary short film titled, 30 30 30, will feature a range of thirty-second video clips gathered from thirty community members and supporters sharing their thoughts on the contribution made by Tandanya over the past thirty years.
“Tandanya has been about self-determination for 30 years. It still remains as the only national Aboriginal cultural institute in Australia,” says Tandanya CEO Dennis Stokes.
“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.
“It is an amazing milestone and we are so proud of all that we have achieved over three decades,” says Dennis.
Today, Tandanya remains on the same site and continues to thrive and continually evolve as a not-for-profit community run organisation.
The Atnwengerrp – Our Apmere, Our Place exhibition runs from 3 October 2020 – December 21 2020.
Tandanya is open Monday to Saturday, 10 am ’til 5 pm (closed public holidays).
Discover Tandanya at 253 Grenfell St, Adelaide.
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