Tjungu Palya 2012

Since its incorporation in 2006, Tjungu Palya has grown to be a dynamic and innovative community art centre. Located about 100kms south of Uluru, Nyapari is set at the base of the majestic Mann Ranges in the heart of country traditionally owned by the Pitjantjatjara people.  These ranges known to Anangu as Murputja, likening the mountain to the bony ridge of a person’s spine, are the source of many water holes and traditional camping places. The homelands of Kanpi, Nyapari, Angatja, Umpukulu and Tjankanu have grown from these seasonal camping places into permanent settlements. Over fifty artists from Murputja joined together with family members living in traditional country 180 kms to the south at Watarru and created Tjungu Palya (Good Together).

Tjungu Palya also focus on developing the careers of younger and emerging artists. This contributes to inter-generational learning, reinforces the Tjukurpa learning continuum and is essential to the long term sustainability of Tjungu Palya. Young and emerging artists are important for the art centre’s community development and capacity building and provide contemporary relevance in maintaining Australia’s unique cultural heritage.