KULINTJA PALYA

Ku Arts was pleased to host Kulintja Palya, a wellbeing and workforce support initiative for staff at our member art centres. Held in Yulara over two days, workshops were facilitated by Dom Barry, a clinical psychologist and proud Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara man, alongside Andrew Groom, a former social worker now working with the Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Education Committee (PYEC).

Kulintja Palya provided a culturally grounded space for art centre staff to reflect, connect and strengthen their practice. Key topics covered included:

• Vicarious trauma and strategies for support

• Language development and culturally safe communication

• The Art Centre Worker Phrase Book

• Wellbeing and self-care practices for remote arts workers

We are grateful to Dom Barry and Andrew Groome for their deep insight and generosity in holding space for this important work, and to the participants who immersed themselves throughout the workshop. We also acknowledge the support of our funding partners whose commitment enables our continued delivery of services and programs to benefit Aboriginal artists in South Australia.

This workshop reflects Ku Arts’ ongoing commitment to cultural safety, resilience and leadership in the Aboriginal arts sector.