Fire Tracks: work from the Barkly - 22 June - 8 July 2023

Fire Tracks brings together works from four neighbouring Barkly communities, Ali Curung, Owairtilla (Canteen Creek), Tennant Creek and Wutunugurra (Epenarra).

Jessie Beasley - Bush Flower (left) 

Valerie Nakamarra Nelson - The Pebble After rain. You see the colour that comes up, afters After the Rain (right)

Scattered across the south-east corner of the Barkly region hundreds of kilometres apart, these communities share vast rocky plains and rugged escarpments which dip and rise beneath big skies.

Artists sing the stories of the dry, metallic ash embellishes arid flood ways which cut through country leaving scarred earth in their wake, rhythmic motifs evoke cyclical seasons, and the trace of red earth leaves an indelible stain.

The exhibition showcases paintings and ceramics by artists from Arlpwe Art and Culture Centre and the Artists of the Barkly Collective.

Arlpwe (pronounced Ahl-boa) sits on Kaytetye Country in Ali Curung, an Aboriginal community about 400km north of Alice Springs. The art centre is a 100% Aboriginal owned non-for-profit, comprised of artists from the Kaytetye, Alyawarr, Warlpiri and Warumungu nations. Ali Curung, or Alekarenge, means 'belonging to the dog' referring to the dog dreaming site that the town sits upon.

The Artists of the Barkly Collective represents artists living in five remote communities across the Barkly region: Mungkarta, Kulumindini (Elliott), Owairtilla (Canteen Creek), Tennant Creek and Wutunugurra (Epenarra). The Collective is comprised of artists from the Alyawarr, Kaytetye, Mudburra, Jingili, Waramungu, Warlpiri and Warlmanpa nations. The Collective is facilitated by Barkly Regional Arts, a not-for-profit multi-disciplinary art centre based on Waramungu Country. Barkly Regional Arts collaborates with remote Indigenous communities to foster access, development, and recognition of arts in the Barkly.

Artists

Agnes Pwerl Rubuntja

Aileen Napaljarri Long

Daylene Miller Kamara

Fiona Pwerl Corbett

Georgina Jones Pitjarra

Heather Nungarryai Anderson

Jessie Kemarr Beasley

Jessie Kemarr Peterson

Lindy Nungarrayi Brodie

Lynette Ngwarrey Bonney

Marina Waake Nangala

Martha Poulson Nakamarra

Mary Napangardi James

Michelle Nambidjinba Brodie

Nancy Long Nugarrayi

Penny Napaljarri Kelly

Rosieanne Holmes Napanangka

Sarah Holmes Nabangardi

Sonya Murphy Napalkarri

Stephanie Holmes Naburrula

Topsy Kemarr Steppa Beasley

Valerie Nelson Nakamarra

Vicky Napurrula Pope

Zeza Egan Nambidjinba

Maureen Jipiyiliya Nampijinpa O'Keefe

 

 

 

About the Gallery

Located in the Araluen Cultural Precinct in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), the June Marriott Gallery is Central Craft’s professionally equipped exhibition space. The gallery supports both traditional and contemporary craft practices and receives over 15,000 visitors annually. Though modest in size, it has a proud history of showcasing high-quality craft and design from Central Australia.

The gallery is named in honour of June Marriott, a foundational figure in the Alice Springs craft scene. A skilled embroiderer and teacher, June made profound contributions to craft education and the local arts community. She played a pivotal role in founding Territory Craft in 1974, establishing early craft exhibitions, and building a culture of making and teaching that continues to shape Central Craft today.

How to Hire

Submit your proposal via our online form below for approval.

Gallery Specifications

  • Professionally lit exhibition space
  • Hanging system with adjustable tracks
  • Plinths and tools provided on request
  • Access to kitchenette and bathroom
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About Hiring

What's Included in Your Hire

  • 2-week minimum gallery hire
  • Use of hanging system, plinths, lighting, and kitchenette
  • Promotion via Central Craft’s website, socials, and newsletter
  • Sales processed by Central Craft volunteers (Mon–Sat, 10am–2pm)
  • 35% commission applies to all sales

Hire Fees

Members:

  • $180/week hire
  • $200/week refundable bond
  • 35% sales commission

Non-Members:

  • $245/week hire
  • $200/week refundable bond
  • 35% sales commission

Timeline Overview

  • 2–4 months prior: Confirm booking, sign agreement, pay fees, submit promo materials
  • 3 weeks prior: Submit artwork sales form (if applicable)
  • Week of install: Complete induction; install begins 2 days before opening
  • Saturday Opening (10am): Hirer responsible for set up and clean-up
  • Exhibition Duration: Gallery open Mon–Sat, 10am–2pm
  • Final Saturday (2–6pm): Pack-down
  • 1 month after: Sales payout

Basic Terms & Conditions

  • Hirers must be 18+ and complete an induction before access
  • Hirers must treat the gallery respectfully; damage fees deducted from bond
  • Sitting the gallery may be required if volunteers are unavailable
  • Hirers must collect or post artworks after the exhibition
  • Central Craft is not responsible for artwork loss/damage; personal insurance is recommended
  • Cancellations with less than 2 months’ notice will forfeit the hire fee
  • Promotion is the responsibility of the Hirer (Central Craft shares content if supplied on time)
  • Keys, alarm codes, and access must be handled responsibly
  • What You Can Hire It For

    • Solo or group exhibitions
    • Craft-based community displays
    • Events that celebrate contemporary or traditional craft
    • Collaborative projects, curated exhibitions, school showcases
  • Who Can Apply

    We welcome proposals from:

    • Individual artists
    • Groups or collectives
    • Independent curators
    • Community organisations and schools

    Central Craft Members are prioritised in bookings.

  • What We’re Looking For

    We welcome proposals that:

    • Are at least 70% handmade (no mass-produced/copyright-infringing work)
    • Demonstrate strong artistic merit, originality, and craftsmanship
    • Engage thoughtfully with material, cultural, or local context
    • Offer additional community engagement (e.g. workshops, floor talks)
    • Promote diversity, innovation, and excellence in craft

Questions?

Contact: directors@centralcraft.org.au
Call: (08) 8952 4417
Visit: 61 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs NT (next to Yaye’s Café)