2021 Tarnanthi Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art opens

AGSA-TARNANTHI-Installation-2021-photo-by-Saul-SteedRunning until 30 January 2022, Tarnanthi, the Art Gallery of South Australia’s festival of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art has opened to the public today.

Launched to people across the world via livestream last night with a performance by Electric Fields, Antara signers and Tjarutja Dance Theatre Collective, Tarnanthi features exhibitions, performances, artist forums and an art fair.

Tarnanthi 2021 features the work of more than 1400 artists aged 13 to 89-years from the length and breadth of Australia who reinvigorate culture through new works of art in 60 exhibitions and events at AGSA and across South Australia in more than 30 venues until 30 January 2022.

In 2021, the popular Tarnanthi Art Fair will launch as a 100% online event at 5.00pm today and will be open until Monday 18 October, offering audiences across the globe the opportunity to buy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art online, 24 hours a day.

Since 2015, art totalling more than $4 million has been sold at the Tarnanthi Art Fair, with all proceeds going directly to the artists and their community-run art centres.

Dr Jennifer Purdie, BHP Olympic Dam Asset President also made the important announcement at the launch last night that BHP will continue its support for Tarnanthi as Principal Partner for a further three years.

“We are incredibly proud of what BHP and the Art Gallery of South Australia have achieved together thus far. Tarnanthi’s vision aligns with our priorities at BHP,” said Purdie.

Since our inaugural partnership in 2015, we have witnessed this partnership supporting 4,500 artists in their long-term economic empowerment, social and cultural well-being and pathways to self-determination, and the generation of more than $7.5 million from the direct investment in 269 communities involved across Australia over the last four years.

“Through Tarnanthi’s showcasing of contemporary art and culture, we look forward to greater long term, economic benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities across Australia,” said Purdie.

With BHP’s renewed support for a further three years, Tarnanthi will be presented as a major biennial statewide festival featuring exhibitions, artist forums and an art fair. Tarnanthi will expand its regional programming, continue its educational outreach and deliver statewide and national touring programs in addition to the biennial festival.

Tarnanthi is transforming South Australia’s status as a destination for Aboriginal art and culture,” said Hon. Steven Marshall, MP, Premier of South Australia.

“Much more than a Festival, Tarnanthi happens everyday – in art centres, studios, galleries and classrooms across the country; and, through the art fair, we have the opportunity to bring important stories into our homes and support economic and creative empowerment for First Nations artists.”

“Since 2015, Tarnanthi has enacted a revolution with close to $100 million in economic expenditure generated in SA. I’m thrilled that BHP will continue to support Tarnanthi for a further three years,” said Mr Marshall.

“We are so pleased that the impact of Tarnanthi has been recognised with this continued partnership and we look forward to continue creating, lifechanging opportunities for artists and communities and new experiences for audiences,” said Artistic Director, Nici Cumpston OAM.

“We applaud BHP for their continued support that propels Tarnanthi as the foremost platform for learning the rich stories embedded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. We thank our exceptional First Nations artists for their generosity in sharing these stories and their torrent of creativity,” said AGSA Director Rhana Devenport ONZM.

Tarnanthi is presented at part of the state’s Bloom Spring Campaign – a new initiative by the State Government and South Australian Tourism Commission.


Tarnanthi: Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art is presented by AGSA and continues to 30 January 2022. For more information and full program, visit: www.agsa.sa.gov.au for details. Tarnanthi is presented at part of the state’s Bloom Spring Campaign – a new initiative by the State Government and South Australian Tourism Commission.

Image: Installation view: Tarnanthi 2021 featuring works by Cristina Gollan, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide – photo by Saul Steed