Utopia is one of the nation’s most esteemed Aboriginal art movements – and one of the oldest too – dating back to the early 1980s.

The region’s art history is both compelling and distinctive, producing one of Australia’s most prominent and successful Indigenous artists, the late Emily Kame Kngwarreye.

Utopia also is unique in another sense; in that it’s never homed a permanent premises for its artists.

However, a new purpose-built base, the Utopia Art Centre, has now opened its doors to the public, and will be led by the Urapuntja Aboriginal Corporation (UAC).

Built on Alyawarre and Anmatyerre Country, the centre will bring immeasurable benefits to its 100+ artists, following $500,000 of funding from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC).

This includes employment opportunities and training and professional development programs, which ultimately, will help generate income pathways for local artists and the broader community.

These prospects are set to improve the artists’ wellbeing, reinforce their cultural identity and strengthen their self-determination, which hopefully in turn, increases the number of artists within the region.

Indigenous art is fundamental to Australia’s first people. It provides a sense of cultural pride and symbolises belonging as well as kinship and connection to Country and Sea.

By attracting new audiences for Utopia’s artistic expression, both national and international awareness of Alyawarr, Anmatyerr and broader First Nations culture, will ultimately be reinforced.

Galleries located in remote areas are also known to enhance the mental and emotional wellbeing of artists, as well as the local residents who engage with their art and cultural artefacts.

UAC Chair, Malcolm Loy, said Indigenous artists share their stories through their culture and art.

“Our artists make us proud that the world knows our stories through their art,” said Mr Loy.

“Our artists are strong people, and we now have a good place them. They can paint and yarn. Visitors can come and see their stories. These are good things”.

ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer, Joe Morrison, said the gallery’s opening is a turning point for both UAC and the local Indigenous artists and community.

“This new premises will create a culturally safe hub for Alyawarre and Anmatyerre artists, as well as the residents from the area’s 16 homelands,” said Mr Morrison.

“This project showcases how the management of Country, which is the ILSC’s core purpose, greatly influences and benefits not only Indigenous people, but the wider community”.

The Utopia Art Centre is located on Lot 2, Arlparra, Alice Springs NT 0872.