Weaving Culture, Country, and Connection
Tjanpi Desert Weavers brings together over 400 Anangu and Yarnangu women from remote communities to create contemporary fibre art grounded in culture and Country. Through weaving, women earn income, strengthen cultural ties, and share stories that celebrate their creativity and resilience.
Empowering Women Through Art
Tjanpi Desert Weavers is our dynamic social enterprise enabling Anangu and Yarnangu women to earn an income from fibre art across the NPY Lands.
Since 1995, Tjanpi has facilitated creative development workshops in remote communities, building a wide-reaching network of artists that spans
generations of women: mothers, daughters, aunties, sisters and grandmothers. Today, Tjanpi artwork can be found in galleries, public institutions and homes right across Australia and the world.
Culturally Appropriate Income
Tjanpi was born in 1995, in response to a self-identified need for meaningful and culturally appropriate employment for women living on Country and in community. In a region of extreme economic disadvantage, Tjanpi provides an important opportunity for Anangu and Yarnangu women to earn an income without having to leave their remote homes, families and communities.
“Everyone is excited when Tjanpi comes to community because they know they can make some money for food or power cards. Ladies will be weaving all night when they know the Tjanpi lady is in town because they want to make the most of it.”
- Pauline Coombe, Aputula / Finke, NT
Strengthening Culture
Tjanpi means “native desert grass” in Pitjantjatjara. Artists collect this accessible resource by hand across the Lands to include as a core material in their fibre art. Grass weaving builds upon a long history of utilising natural materials for practical and ceremonial objects like manguri rings. Grass collecting trips provide opportunities for women to visit culturally significant sites, hunt, perform inma and share important teachings and stories with young people. This rich culture of intergenerational storytelling, resourcefulness and skill sharing underpins the ever-evolving nature of Tjanpi, inspiring innovative ideas and engaging artwork.
“It’s good for young women too. We can show them the sacred sites, special grass and best time to go and get them. We can tell stories while we’re collecting the grass and making the baskets.”
- Kanytjupayi Benson, Papulankutja / Blackstone, WA
Visit Tjanpi Desert Weavers
Open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (closed public holidays and January)
3 Wilkinson St, Mparntwe / Alice Springs, NT 0820