Chief Minister Natasha Fyles unveiled concept designs for the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre’s $10 million transformation in Tennant Creek yesterday.
The investment is part of the Territory Labor Government’s Arts Trail initiative, which aims to make the Northern Territory a world-class tourist and cultural destination.
The NNACC is located next to a sacred site and serves as a significant cultural and learning hub for the Warumungu people.
The plans for NNACC include a new exhibition space, a truth-telling exhibition from a Warumungu perspective, a museum and exhibition space, a new cafe and art gallery retail space, a commercial kitchen, flexible spaces for meetings and events, an outdoor sitting area, a new outside loop path, and a landscaped design featuring native plantings.
The project is led by the NNACC steering committee and Traditional Owners. The construction tender will be released next week.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the upgrades to the facility are part of the Territory Labor Government’s $30 million Gallery Extension Program, which aims to deliver jobs and economic growth through construction and tourism.
Minister for Arts, Culture, and Heritage Chansey Paech also expressed excitement about the upgrades and their potential impact on the wider Barkly region.
Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation Chair Linda Turner praised the steering committee’s hard work in developing the designs for the upgrades and creating new immersive exhibition experiences.
The construction tender for Nyinkka Nyunyu will be released next week. The works are part of the NT Government’s $30 million Arts Trail Regional Gallery Extension Program (ATGEP), which aims to deliver jobs and economic growth for the Northern Territory through construction, creative industries, and tourism.
The ATGEP provides funding to support the design and construction of upgrades to community-owned arts and cultural facilities.
The Warumungu NNACC Steering Committee members are also working on repatriating cultural objects to the community.
With over 100 community art galleries, museums, and Keeping Places in the Territory, capital investment in these cultural facilities will enhance offerings and support local artists, jobs, and businesses.
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This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 14 July 2023.