Published on Wednesday, 3 June 2026 at 10:55:18 AM
The Shire of East Pilbara and Jamukurnu-Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation have marked an important step forward in the Martu Art Centres Improvement Project, with a recent signing enabling the next stage of work on new, culturally appropriate art centre facilities across remote Martu communities.
Shire of East Pilbara CEO Steven Harding and JYAC CEO Rebecca Girdwood signed documents formalising partnership arrangements for the next stage of the project. The signing will help progress new facilities that support Martu artists to work closer to home and create more opportunities for cultural knowledge to be shared between generations.
The project proposes new art centres at Kunawarritji, Punmu and Jigalong, with each site to be guided by local community priorities, land arrangements and consultation.
The project is being delivered to support Martu artists, strengthen cultural learning and knowledge sharing between generations and provide better spaces for artists to create, exhibit and sell their work.
Shire of East Pilbara CEO Steven Harding said the signing was an important milestone in a project that would support artists, culture and local opportunity in remote communities.
“Martumili is renowned for the talent, knowledge and leadership of the Martu artists, and this project is about making sure the facilities better support that work,” Mr Harding said.
“The Shire is proud to work with JYAC and community partners to progress facilities that are practical, culturally appropriate and built around the needs of artists.”
Jamukurnu-Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation CEO Rebecca Girdwood said the project would help create stronger foundations for Martu artists and communities.
“Art centres play an important role in Martu communities, not only as places for art practice, but as places where culture, language, stories and knowledge continue to be shared,” Ms Girdwood said.
“This project is about supporting Martu people to lead that work in community, with facilities that reflect local needs and create more opportunity for artists, families and future generations.”
Shire President, Anthony Middleton, said the project would strengthen the work already happening across remote Martu communities.
“Many Martu artists are already creating strong work from their communities, often with limited space and resources,” Mr Middleton said.
“Better spaces in community mean artists can work closer to home, earn income from their work and create more opportunities for younger people to learn from senior artists through painting, stories and time spent together.”
Martumili Artists was established by Martu people from communities including Parnpajinya, Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu, Kunawarritji, Irrungadji and Warralong and continues to support artists working across remote East Pilbara communities.
The new art centres are expected to provide contemporary, fit-for-purpose spaces for local artists to create works for commercial sale, while also supporting visiting artists, coordinators and cultural programs.
The Shire acknowledges the role of community representatives and project partners in progressing the work, including Jamukurnu-Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation and the Australian Government through the Growing Regions Program.
Further updates will be provided as planning, land tenure and delivery arrangements continue for each site.
Shire of East Pilbara CEO Steven Harding
JYAC CEO Rebecca Girdwood
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