Situated in the small community Haasts Bluff (Ikuntji), 227 km west of Alice Springs, Ikuntji Artists was founded in 1992 after a series of workshops with Melbourne artist, Marina Strocchi and under the influence of the then community president, the late Esther Jugadai.

Since then, Ikuntji has become widely known for its bright, colourful artwork. In addition to a successful art studio, the centre runs a licensing program for the use of painting designs in commercial applications such as fabrics, T-shirsts, homewares, and pet products, providing the community with a steady flow of additional income. Ikuntji’s entrepreneurial activities have been won several business and community awards.

With eight key artists, Ikuntji also nurtures the talents of emerging artists as well as providing a safe space for other community members to create and sell art. Artists draw on their traditional culture and connection to their Country; they are free to express their artistic vision in their own unique ways. Younger artists are often mentored by their grandparents or other senior artists, ensuring that valuable knowledge is passed down through the generations.

Originally established as a women’s art centre, in 2005 it opened to men with with the incorporation of the art centre as Ikuntji Artists Aboriginal Corporation.