WHO WE ARE
Ku Arts is South Australia’s peak organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual artists.
Creating opportunities and building strong arts careers since 1998.
Identifying the specific career and professional development needs of Aboriginal artists and their capacity to access facilities and resources is a crucial part of our work. Creative, skills and professional development opportunities take many shapes and forms based on interaction whilst in community. At no cost to artists, we provide wrap-around support services with our programming - from administrative support to individually tailored career advice. Our programs engage artists, enrich their practices, and empower their communities.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
We are recognised nationally as one of five peak bodies that form a trusted network for sharing information and experiences, influencing the development of public policy as it affects Aboriginal artists and their communities. We contribute to research projects, government inquiries, information and data collection and the making of recommendations for sector improvements. Ku Arts is sought after for our expertise and connections with independent Aboriginal artists across South Australia and for our commitment to culturally appropriate consultation with individuals, communities and art centres.
ADVOCACY
A key part of Ku Arts history and ongoing story is the support that we provide to Aboriginal art centres. We continue to assist boards and staff with governance support, staff inductions, and best practice management. Arts worker training and skills development provides sustainable access to employment for community members. We also support strategies for the engagement of emerging artists and cultural practitioners, working closely with art centres to ensure a strong future.
ART CENTRE SUPPORT
Ku Arts is a not-for-profit, Aboriginal community controlled visual arts organisation, started in 1998, by artists and art centre managers on the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands.
Ku Arts delivers statewide programs across South Australia including an annual program of workshops, projects and events to support professional, cultural and creative development for artists outside of APY Lands, where there are typically no Aboriginal art centres. Ku Arts supports art centres through governance mentoring, human resource services, training and employment opportunities for managers and art workers, and by supporting the development of community driven arts and cultural maintenance projects with high quality public outcomes.
Ku Arts believes that delivering programs and projects that support artists’ creative, cultural and professional development allows them to best achieve their aspirations. Underpinning this work is advocacy and support for a strong and vibrant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts sector.
CULTURE is at the heart of everything we do.
RESPECT for people, culture, language, difference, and ideas.
INCLUSIVE Being open and honest, listening to the views of others, encouraging participation and collaboration.
INTEGRITY Professional service delivery, ensuring we are always ethical, accountable and transparent.
OUR MISSION
Ku Arts works for, and with, Aboriginal artists, art centres and arts workers across South Australia, delivering support services that allow them to realise their aspirations.
We help keep arts centres strong, and our culture strong for our children.
Nganana kunpu kanyinma arts munu culture nganampa tjitji nganampa tjutaku.
OUR PRINCIPLES
Respect each other and follow the law straight.
Ngapartji ngapartji kulinma munu iwara wanama tjukarurungku.
Peaceful and calm.
Piluntjungku.
Conciliatory.
Kalypangku.
Kindhearted.
Kututu mukulyangku.
United.
Tjungungku.
HISTORY
Ku Arts story began in 1998 in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. Artists and art centre managers of three art centres in operation at the time; Ernabella Arts in Pukatja, Kaltjiti Arts in Fregon and Iwantja Arts in Indulkana, and the emerging Minymaku Arts (now Tjala Arts) in Amata recognised the need and value of pooling resources to drive success. Out of this, Ananguku Arts was established (now known as Ku Arts). Ananguku means
In 2002, Ku Arts became incorporated and initiated the establishment of locally owned and governed art centres Tjungu Palya in Nyapari, Ninuku Arts in Kalka, and Mimili Maku Arts in Mimili.
In the early 2000’s, it became clear that there were independent Aboriginal artists in regions across South Australia, but they still needed the support and advocacy that an Aboriginal arts organisation could provide. As a result, in 2006, the Statewide Indigenous Community Arts Development (SICAD) Project to assist artists in regional areas was established. SICAD provides access to professional and creative skills development opportunities, enterprise development, and the creation of career pathways for artists across visual arts disciplines.
Today, Ku Arts, is proud to deliver programs and support to multiple locations across South Australia, working for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists who call the state home.
Under the direction of a First Nations board, Ku Arts works in support of a strong and diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts sector that champions the self-determination and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Some key projects and programs Ku Arts has been involved in since 2004 include:
Roving arts workshop projects for artists in the western APY Lands.
Recruitment of art centre managers with specific fine art skills and teaching capacity.
Regional art workshops focusing on bringing men into art centres.
Start up and management of three art centres: Tjungu Palya (2004), Ninuku Arts (2004) and Mimili Maku Arts (2006).
Development of the Statewide Indigenous Community Artists’ Development (SICAD) project (2006).
Establishing the annual Our Mob exhibition (2006), with the Adelaide Festival Centre and Country Arts SA. Our Mob is a state-wide survey show of new work from South Australian artists.
Development of the APY Art Workers Program.
Major survey exhibitions including Tjukurpa Pulkatjara (2009) and Ngintaka (2014)
Construction and upgrades of infrastructure across the APY Lands
Establishing and presenting the first National Weaving Symposium in partnership with JamFactory (2025)