Desert Mob Aboriginal arts festival returns to Alice Springs for 2024 edition

Desert Mob - one of Australia’s oldest Aboriginal arts festivals - returns to the Araluen Arts Centre in Alice Springs this September and October.

The festival is run by Desart and supported by Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company’s Event Funding Program, Northern Territory Arts Grants Program and the Community Benefit Fund.

Now in its 33rd year, Desert Mob features the renowned Desert Mob exhibition, a captivating symposium, vibrant art marketplace, and an expanded public program of events. 

Bringing together hundreds of artists from 35 Aboriginal art centres across Central Australia, Desert Mob is an unmissable opportunity to meet the artists, hear their stories, view and ethically acquire art at a range of free and ticketed public programs and satellite events.

Desert Mob 2024 will also celebrate the 40th anniversary of Maruku Arts with artist and community advocate, Rene Kulitja to lead the opening celebrations this evening, Thursday 5 September at the Araluen Arts Centre. Maruku Arts will also share a special presentation at the Desert Mob Symposium on Friday 6th September.

Northern Territory Major Events Company Chief Executive Suzana Bishop noted “Desert Mob is an incredible festival that showcases the diverse art and culture of Central Australia. The festival is an opportunity to participate in workshops, learn about culture and purchase artwork.

“As one of the country’s longest-running Aboriginal art festivals, it is important to continue the support for events like these as the social and economic impact is significant to the artists, towns and wider community.”

Desart Chief Executive Philip Watkins adds “Led by our Aboriginal Executive Committee and partnering with 35 of our Art Centre members across the tri-state border in Central Australia, Desart is proud to present Desert Mob as a wholly Aboriginal governed art event.

“In this way, Desart continues the legacy of self-determination that led to the establishment of these movements and the art centres they founded and those they inspired. Desert Mob is, as the name suggests, about desert mob – about us.”

The festival will run from Thursday 5th September to Sunday 20th October 2024. To find out more head to www.desertmob.com