Published on Tuesday, 3 November 2026 at 9:54:57 AM
Martumili Artists will celebrate two decades of Martu creativity and achievement with a 20th birthday celebration and Christmas sale opening at the East Pilbara Arts Centre in Newman on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Running from 5pm to 8pm, the celebration will bring together art, live music, food and children’s activities. The annual Christmas sale, featuring 40% off artworks, offers an opportunity to find a meaningful Christmas gift or choose a work for your home while supporting Martu artists.
Established by Martu people in 2006, Martumili began with modest resources: a desk in the Shire of East Pilbara’s Council Chambers and artists painting on the lawn. Its early Christmas sales transformed the chambers into a temporary gallery, with paintings covering the floor and Council table. Those events helped demonstrate the demand for a permanent space where artists could share and sell their work.
Today, the Aboriginal art centre supports artists in Newman and six remote communities — Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu, Kunawarritji, Irrungadji and Warralong. Their work reaches audiences through major exhibitions and public collections across Australia and internationally.
Shire President Anthony Middleton said the anniversary recognised the Martu artists and families whose knowledge, creativity and commitment had shaped Martumili.
“From paintings on the Shire lawn to works exhibited around the world, Martumili’s story is an extraordinary achievement for the artists and communities behind it,” Mr Middleton said.
“The Shire is proud to support a place where artists can earn an income, develop their skills and share their culture, and where younger generations can learn from senior artists.“ This anniversary belongs to the Martu people who established Martumili and everyone who has helped it grow.”
That success includes national recognition for artists across generations. Bugai Whyoulter won the General Painting Award at the 2021 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, while Corban Clause Williams won the inaugural MA Art Prize at Sydney Contemporary in 2023.
Williams, who began working at Martumili as a teenager preparing canvases and helping sell paintings, has also taken Martu art to new audiences through a 2025 collaboration with Specsavers. The eyewear collection features his artwork Kaalpa, with $25 from each pair sold donated to The Fred Hollows Foundation.
His published artist statement captures the connection between that success and the cultural purpose of his work: “I paint to keep my culture and stories and share with others.”
Mr Middleton encouraged residents and visitors to join the celebrations and support the sale.
“The Christmas sale has been part of Martumili’s story since its early years, bringing artists and the wider community together,” he said.
“Whether you are choosing your first artwork, finding a Christmas gift or coming along to enjoy the evening, this is an opportunity to celebrate local talent and support its future.”
The Christmas sale will run in the gallery from 21 November to 18 December 2026, with the online sale running from 22 November to 16 December 2026.
Join the opening celebration at the East Pilbara Arts Centre, Newman Drive, Newman, on Saturday 21 November from 5pm to 8pm, or explore Martumili’s online store at gallery.martumili.com.au.
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