Araluen Arts Centre

Located at the heart of the Araluen Cultural Precinct, the Araluen Arts Centre is Central Australia’s hub of performance and visual art. It’s a must-see for visitors, as art and culture are an essential part of the community in Central Australia. Araluen Arts Centre is designed and built around a sacred 300-year old Corkwood Tree, which stands proudly in the sculpture garden.

The Araluen Cultural Precinct provides visitors with the opportunity to engage with world-class visual and performing art.

Discover the local identities that helped shape and develop Alice Springs, immerse themselves in the culture and heritage of Central Australia and learn about Indigenous dreaming and their connection to the land.

The Araluen Cultural Precinct consists of: The Araluen Arts Centre (Galleries and Theatre), The Museum of Central Australia (incorporating The Strehlow Research Centre), The Central Australian Aviation Museum, Central Craft and Yaye's Cafe. — The Araluen Arts Centre

The centre houses four galleries and a theatre. The galleries display a program of exhibitions featuring local Aboriginal art and contemporary art from Central Australia or by artists with a strong connection to the region. Visitors can wander through and enjoy the diverse collection of 1,100 artworks.

The theatre exhibits exciting performances by world-class touring companies as well as high-quality local productions. Araluen’s Arthouse Cinema Program showcases national and international arthouse films and film festivals.

The Araluen Arts Centre (Galleries and Theatre)

Check the calendar to time your visit with the most appealing temporary art exhibitions, performances, films, and festivals. One of their largest events is Desert Mob. Held annually, Desert Mob is an exhibition of Aboriginal Art, attracting artists, artwork, and visitors from desert regions around the Northern Territory, South Australia, and Western Australia. Another popular festival is the quirky Alice Springs Beanie Festival, a unique experience which promotes handmade textile arts, and in particular the beanie.

Once you have wandered the vibrant exhibitions, and maybe taken in a show or a film, enjoy lunch or coffee in the cafe on site. Visit the shop to purchase a unique souvenir of your visit.