A Colourful Partnership

February 24, 2021

In local Anangu language, tjungu waakarinyi translates to ‘working together’. It’s a simple, but powerful sentiment and one that underpins the ongoing, treasured partnership between Ernabella Arts and Longitude 131.

Since 2013 Longitude 131° and the Ernabella arts community have been working together to facilitate the lodges artists-in-residence program, which sees a small number of the artists travel to Longitude 131° from their home in the Pukatja Homelands. The artists spend a few days on each visit setting up an open studio in the Dune House and painting with a view to Uluru.

Located some 250km – or a 30-minute scenic flight – from Longitude 131°, Ernabella was originally established as an Aboriginal mission craft room.

Today, Ernabella Arts Inc is today a thriving art community that has ensured the preservation of indigenous art heritage and culture. The artists’ colourful ceramics, canvases, tiles and spears (kulata) are seen in guest tents, in the Dune House bar and restaurant and Spa Kinara. Many artworks are also for sale in the boutique.

Proceeds from the artwork commissions and sales contribute directly to the community’s income, ensuring the sustainable economic growth and preservation of culture for its residents. Guests can also visit Ernabella by way of a private lodge tour combined with return charter flights.

Baillie Lodges has entered into a partnership with the Ernabella Arts Inc in 2017 to support a dedicated ceramist to train and mentor the artists, so far providing $200,000. The partnership has been widely recognised and is documented by filmmaker Oliver Nasht: Watch video.

Baillie Lodges Founder Hayley Baillie established the partnership with Ernabella as well as with other Indigenous art communities in the region. She sees the artists-in-residence program as a meaningful way to provide the community with the resources for sustainable economic self-sufficiency while at the same time ensuring the survival of the artwork, community and culture.

“We’re very pleased that our relationship with Ernabella continues to evolve in so many ways, with benefits in equal measure for our guests, the artists and the community at Ernabella.”

Hayley Baillie

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