The concept behind APY Art Centre Collective galleries is to provide a platform for young and emerging APY artists, offering financial independence and employment through the sales of work. This has been an incredibly successful undertaking for the indigenous owned and operated organisation, with APY Gallery Sydney generating over $700,000 in sales in its first 12 months of operation. But the whole purpose of the APY Galleries is about connection and community, and this new Adelaide outpost takes that to a whole new level.
Partnering with Purple House, a not for profit that provides safe access to dialysis and support across remote Australia, this new APY Art Centre Collective initiative links indigenous people away from their homes and communities seeking medical treatment in Adelaide with the right support service providing for health and wellbeing across all areas. ‘It’s a holistic program of support’, explains Skye Omeara, APY Art Centre Collective manager.
Comprising the gallery, a studio and office space, APY Gallery Adelaide is a vital hub of connection, community and support for Anangu people. ‘For so many years we have wanted a gallery and studio for our family members in Adelaide,’ tells artist Nyunmiti Burton of the Tjala Arts Centre, ‘It took a lot of work but when we celebrated our opening on Friday night there were happy tears for many of us’.
Artist Yaritji Young of Tjala Arts added, ‘now we have a place for Anungu where people can continue to make work, and stay connected to their communities when they are away from their country’.
APY Gallery Adelaide
Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm
9 Light Square
Adelaide, 5000