In Wutunugurra, also known as Epenarra, what began as a project to strengthen governance and local leadership is now promoting a collective of emerging Indigenous artists.

World Vision initially partnered with the Wutunugurra community, located south east of Tennant Creek in the Barkly Region of the Northern Territory, to support local heath initiatives, sustainable development, and boost the community’s relationship with government.

After the project’s completion in 2009, World Vision responded to requests from the Wutunugurra community and began working with local emerging artists.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, participating in the growing Indigenous art market has many benefits: it helps to keep language and culture strong and provides opportunities in the mainstream economy for employment, skills development and financial independence.

The Epenarra Artists have made great strides in the past year. Three women are currently working towards a Certificate III in Arts Administration which has not only encouraged artistic growth but also developed their business skills.

The artists have opened their own bank account and have registered themselves as a business. They work on all aspects of the art program: from cutting and stretching canvas, to recording sales of paintings and working on the computer to generate certificates of authenticity. They are gradually becoming more confident when handling money, making sales and working with customers.

Currently the artists are exploring new techniques and disciplines in their work. They now have greater access to more diverse materials, including silk, which they plan to dye using plants found in their community.

Exposure to the art industry is an integral part of the artists’ development. The Epenarra Artists have exhibited successfully in 2010 in Melbourne, at an event sponsored by the Stonnington City Council at Moss Green Gallery, in 2009 at the Bleeding Heart Gallery in Brisbane, at the Birrung Gallery in Sydney, and at the Desert Mob Art Festival in Alice Springs.

After participating in the Barkly Showcase at Tandanya Gallery in Adelaide, one of the pieces was collected by the Flinders Art Museum – a significant achievement.

Greg Mallyon, former manager of Birrung Gallery in Sydney, observed that the “high standard of artistic tuition combined with sensitive engagement of the community has resulted in paintings for which there is serious art market interest”.

The use of quality art materials, artistic tutorials, and further skills training has helped the artists take their work to new heights and increased painting sales.

World Vision will continue to work with the Epenarra Artists as the Indigenous Art Program continues to develop and aims to partner with additional Northern Territory communities.