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This month the Watarrka Foundation are placing a spotlight on one of our oldest and dearest donors, Alpitye Art Studio. They are an independent working studio located in Alice Springs that specialises in dealing with both traditional and contemporary Aboriginal Artworks from the central, eastern and western desert regions of Central Australia. The Watarrka Foundation has had the privilege of gaining ongoing support from the studio’s co-owners Jenny and Phillipa over the past 10 years. This month we interviewed Phillipa about the studio’s humble beginnings, their ongoing work with community and ties to the Watarrka Foundation.

Q - Introduce yourself - who are you and what is your role with Alpitye Art Studio?

My name is Phillipa, and I am one of the owners of Alpitye Art Studio. My mother Jenny and I started Alpitye Art Studio in 2006 after a long history of working with many central Australian artists and their families.  Jenny has worked in the Indigenous art field for over 30 years. When she initially retired the artists didn’t want her to leave, so after a short retirement together we started our own small family-oriented studio. We have always loved the people, the land and the culture. We believe that through art you get to appreciate and enjoy all of these things. We have a small group of artists, mostly mother and daughters from the central and eastern desert region, that we have worked closely with for many years. We have a great friendship with these artists and support each other.  Growing up surrounded by art and artists lead to my passion for not only the wonderful artworks created by Indigenous communities, but the cultural stories, the personal stories and the country.

Q - Tell us a little about Alpitye Art Studio. What are its main activities and where is it located?

Alpitye Art Studio is located in Alice Springs, the heart of desert art . We are a little family run art studio that provides a creative space for artists to paint, share stories and have a cup of tea. We provide the space and materials for the many artists who work with us, both inhouse and for those who collect their art supplies and complete the works back in their communities. Most of the artworks that we acquire are sent off to galleries across the country unless we are preparing for fundraisers and in-house exhibitions. 

Q - Alpitye Art Studio and the Watarrka Foundation have had a strong partnership for many years. When did Alpitye Art Studio first hear about the Watarrka Foundation and why did they choose to become involved?

Reg Ramsden, a founding member of the Watarrka Foundation, and I have been friends and colleagues for over 20 years. We have worked together in a variety of ways over this time. I was actually working with Reg at Remote Tours when the Foundation was formed. We share a love for the red centre and the people in it. It was only natural that we wanted to work together to help the Foundation raise needed funds for the implementation of projects that were improving community life and stability. Through conversations with the ladies from Lilla, Sadie, Vera and others we could see the importance of these projects and how they were positively influencing their lives.  We felt that if this could be successful, which it has, then this model could then be used as a template to improve the lives in others in remote communities.

Q - Tell us about Alpitye Art Studio’s contributions to the Foundation over the years

Over the years we have hosted numerous fundraisers including those held at law firms, public schools and during covid online.  A percentage of proceeds have always been donated to the Foundation and have helped with the implementation of many of the projects over the years. This has not only assisted the Foundation, but also the artists we represent. It is through this collaboration that they get to share their art and stories with others, and earn some money for their families.

Alpitye Art Studio Donation Drive

The Watarrka Foundation is a fabulous organisation that at its heart has all the best intentions. As a gesture to the Foundation, for the month of November 10 % of all sales through the Alpitye website will be donated to the Watarrka foundation to support the next round of projects.

Find out more about Alpitye Art Studio, visit https://www.alpityestudio.com/

To support the Foundation and our projects within the Northern Territory, make a donation at www.givenow.com.au/watarrkafoundation