Our Mob opening event, photo: Lara Merrington, 2014
A Kaurna word from the traditional owners of the Adelaide Plains, tarnanthi (tar-nan-dee) means to come forth or appear, like the first light of the day or a seed sprouting. For most cultures, first light signifies new beginnings.
Artistic Director Nici Cumpston said the Festival’s vision is to provide opportunities for artists from across Australia to create significant new work, while offering public programs, education opportunities and community events with open access for all.
TARNANTHI Festival, presented by the Art Gallery of South Australia, will run from 8 to 18 October 2015 with many of the exhibitions continuing beyond the official Festival period.
‘Aboriginal art knows no limitations with works ranging from photography, painting, textiles, sculpture, the moving image and printmaking. Over 300 artists will have their work showcased,’ said Cumpston.
The Adelaide Festival Centre, Ananguku Arts and Country Arts SA are working in partnership with TARNANTHI and the annual Our Mob exhibitions and series of events will be a highlight in the Festival program. Celebrating artists affiliated with, or residing anywhere in South Australia, this annual event is held at Artspace Gallery in the Adelaide Festival Centre.
A new regional Our Mob exhibition at Port Augusta Cultural Centre Yarta Purtli, will open a month before the Adelaide exhibition and will feature artists who have been participating in a series of workshops in Coober Pedy, Whyalla, Port Lincoln, Ceduna, Roxby Downs and Port Augusta.
Artists from the northern and far west coast regions are eligible to enter Our Mob Port Augusta and have until the 10th of July to get their entries in. Artists based in other regional areas and the city of Adelaide, have until the 12th of August to enter Our Mob at Artspace.
Also part of TARNANTHI, will be an art fair at Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute on the opening weekend. This exciting event will provide an opportunity to meet the artists and purchase original works of art from over 40 independent artists and art centres from across Australia, said Cumpston.
For more information visit TARNANTHI and Adelaide Festival Centre.
