The Community

Irrunytju (Wingellina) Community is a small, remote aboriginal community located a few kilometres from the tri-state border of WA, NT and SA. It was named after the permanent water source in the foothills of the Tomkinson Range, immediately south of the community.

Irrunytju was established in 1975, with the first store and shed being built from the remnants of buildings at the nearby chrysoprase mine. There had been significant small-scale mining activity in the nearby hills since the 1950s, and Nickel exploration continues in the immediate surrounding area. Read about the current project here.

Irrunytju is part of the Ngaanyatjarra Lands and is home to over 150 people who speak primarily Pitjantjatjara language, with some Ngaanyatjarra speakers as well.

The Centre

Minyma Kutjara Arts Project is a community-based enterprise representing artists from the remote community of Irrunytju (Wingellina), located near the tri-state border of WA, SA, and the NT. The project is named after Minyma Kutjara (Two Women), a significant tjukurpa recounting the intrepid journey of two sisters travelling north.

Founded in 2012, Minyma Kutjara builds on the legacy of Irrunytju Arts, a formerly esteemed centre that was shuttered in 2007. It has been through several iterations and closures since then, and has been under new management since late last year.

Listen to artist Norma Bryant speak about the centre here.