One of the nation’s oldest and most extraordinary celebrations of Aboriginal art and culture, Desert Mob is set to open tomorrow evening (Thursday 10 September) with a momentous celebration of desert art and culture in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
Presented by Desart, the peak body for Central Australian Aboriginal art centres, Desert Mob’s exciting program of events will take over the Araluen Arts Centre with the official opening of the renowned Desert Mob exhibition featuring hundreds of new works from Aboriginal artists across the Central Desert, a captivating day of artist talks, the vibrant Art Market, workshops, satellite events and After Dark – an evening of art, food and music.
In 2026, the Desert Mob exhibition also coincides with the Vincent Lingiari Art Award celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976. Proudly presented by Desart and the Central Land Council, the Vincent Lingiari Art Award honours the legacy of Vincent Lingiari and the fight for land rights through the exhibition theme, ‘Our country, our culture: 50 years of land rights’.
Official opening celebrations will commence from 5pm (ACST) at the Araluen Cultural Precinct with an exclusive preview of the Desert Mob exhibition followed by a special presentation of guest speakers, the announcement of the prestigious Vincent Lingiari Art Award winners, and live performance by Eleanor Jawurlngali Dixon.
Quote attributable to Philip Watkins, Chief Executive Officer, Desart:
“Desart is proud to present Desert Mob again in 2026 and the work of artists who walk in the footsteps of their forebears and forge a pathway for others to follow. As any visitor to Desert Mob will know, the innumerable artworks by the many thousands of Central Australian artists over 35 years literally and creatively share common ground. Known by many names in this vast region of many languages, country means the same thing to us. Our artists tell the truth. Our land is our life.”
Quote attributable to Warren Williams, Chair, Central Land Council:
“After half a century of land rights and winning back more than half of the Northern Territory it is more important than ever that our land councils speak up for our people, insist on a seat at the table where decisions are made and protect them from harmful and ever-changing government laws and policies.
“The power of our art has always been central to our political power. We’ll continue to use all forms of expression to advance self-determination and Aboriginal-led policy solutions.”
Images for media use available here.
Cover image: CLC delegates Roxanne Kenny and Joyce Jones view the VLAA finalists at a council meeting in August. Photo: CLC/Anna Miers