Acknowledgement of Country

Adriano Pupilli Architects respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work; the Gayamaygal people and Yuin people. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. This is, was and always will be Aboriginal land.

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Ernabella Art Centre

A crucial community hub

Community

Located in the remote Central Desert region of Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY), South Australia, the Ernabella Art Centre is Australia’s oldest continually running arts centre. Working closely with the community, we’ve designed significant upgrades to enhance its facilities as part of a broader initiative to improve art centres across the region for future generations of artists.
Location
Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands / South Australia
Client
Ernabella Arts
Type
Community
Status
Complete
Year
2019
Photography
Ernabella Arts Inc.

The art centres in these remote communities are crucial, providing essential services and a gathering space for marginalized groups, including elders with mobility issues. They are not just places to create art but also hubs for passing on traditional knowledge, generating income, and offering food services. Given the extreme weather conditions and heavy daily use, the architecture and materials used must be exceptionally durable and sympathetic to the harsh natural environment.

Our approach focused on ensuring the building could withstand these conditions. Key upgrades included making the roof watertight to handle seasonal weather and designing internal joinery that is both robust and long-lasting. Storage solutions were tailored to accommodate large-format media and unique art pieces, with compact laminate used for its durability and resistance to vermin and termites. Additionally, all joinery was elevated to facilitate thorough cleaning and prevent rodent access.

It was a privilege to travel to the APY Lands, engage with the artists and art centre users, and contribute to the upkeep of these vital community spaces.

Happy artists at the Ernabella Arts Centre.

Storage solutions were tailored to accommodate large-format media and unique art pieces.

It was a privilege to travel to the APY Lands, engage with the artists and art centre users, and contribute to the upkeep of these vital community spaces.

"Ernabella Arts is Australia’s oldest, continuously running art centre. Our artists have many years of experience leading and communication their desires. Travelling to a remote community takes time and effort. Adriano Pupilli Architects understood the essential need to come to Ernabella to carry out a collaborative design workshop with artists and art centre staff.
The team listened and were receptive to the art centres ideas for our space, future growth and aspirations. The end result yielded a design that responded to Ernabella Arts requirements as well as integrating clever and thoughtful design considerations previously not envisaged. Now these designs have been realised. Our spaces are bursting with light, functionality and beauty. Upon entering our art centre, all levels of community including our artists, staff and visitors to the centre are met with feelings of creativity and vibrancy."
Centre Manager, Ernabella Arts
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