Arts & Culture
South Australia is proudly home to Tandanya, the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute. Established in 1989, Tandanya is Australia's first and oldest Aboriginal-owned and managed multi-arts centre. There, you can gaze at the intricate art of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures. The name Tandanya originates from the language of the Kaurna (pronounced Garna) nation, the original inhabitants of the Adelaide plains and means 'the place of the red kangaroo'.
Don't miss the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery within the South Australian Museum. It's your opportunity to see the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts in the southern hemisphere. Take a tour with one of the museum's accredited Aboriginal guides for a rare journey in time, insights into mythological times, ancient peoples, ceremonies and customs.
Better World Arts Gallery in Port Adelaide specialises in fine Aboriginal art and handicrafts. It's known for Aboriginal designed rugs and cushions.
On the Eyre Peninsula, visit the Ceduna Art and Cultural Centre. It offers an authentic Aboriginal art experience with a wide range of original paintings, pottery, ceramics, quality didgeridoos, boomerangs, souvenirs and gifts. All art and artefacts displayed in the gallery and shop are created and supplied by local, urban and traditional Aboriginal artists.
Ruwi Arts in the Clare Valley exhibits artwork from many diverse language groups within South Australia. See Tjanpi - an art which forms sculptures by weaving around wire and grass frames. There's also a showcase of Didjeridus made in the traditional way by Leslie Giles, and paintings on silk by Mumthelang. You'll find Ruwi Arts on Old North Road in Clare. Telephone +61 8 8842 1533 for more information.
