Anangu Agency Sits At The Heart of Tjanpi Desert Weavers
In the tri-state border region of NT, SA and WA, distance is a considerable barrier and
Tjanpi becomes a vehicle for women to connect and reduce social isolation, earn meaningful income, and find innovative ways to fuel their creativity and share their own stories with the wider world.
To find a suitable WA-based Creative Development Officer (CDO) to replace our out-going dedicated staff member proved to be a significant recruitment challenge. Following an 18 month vacancy, we decided to introduce a fly-in-fly-out CDO for 4 to5 week trips four times a year, to ensure continuity of service. Whilst not a perfect solution, this reignited momentum in the Ngaanyatjarra communities of Warakurna, Warburton, Papulankutja (Blackstone), Mantamaru (Jameson) and Irrunytju (Wingellina) and ensures once again a return to three CDO’s across the NPYWC region.
It also allowed us to see quite clearly the impact of a resumed service and the agency of Anangu women to earn money for their families. For WA weavers, in the period Jul-Dec 24 artist payments totalled $9, 945 and 225 artworks were produced. With the employment of our FIFO Tjanpi staff member, from January to June 2025, 686 artworks were produced and artist payments totalled $43,600.
Regular visits, tailored workshops, and on-the-ground support in community are essential components of our work. Beyond supplying materials and resources to artists in the community and selling their artwork, Tjanpi nurtures a holistic creative process:
• Workshops develop skills and build confidence.
• Creativity that supports social connection and positive mental health outcomes is fostered.
• Materials and resources supplied to artists in community.
• Exhibition and award pathways are actively pursued to showcase innovation and a high level of creative arts practice on national and international stages.
• Direct and up-front purchase of artwork provides income that supports women and their families and this flows into the wider communities and First Nations businesses.
Funding support was provided by the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program, Creative Australia and Central Land Council.
