Batchelor Institute has long been known for its high-quality visual art courses. In recent years, the Institute has once again been delivering visual art training in communities, including a number of workshops in Central Australia.
Ceramics from three such workshops – held with Bindi Mwerre Anthurre Artists based in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Walkatjara Art in Mutitjulu, and Engawala Arts Centre in Engawala – are currently on show in the Clay on Country exhibition. Clay on Country, which has been developed by Artback NT and runs from 18 June to 14 August 2022 at the Araluen Arts Centre, showcases the work of over 30 artists who live and work in Central Australia.
Creations from another workshop – held with Kaltukatjara Art in Kaltukatjara (Docker River) – are also currently on show in the TERRA exhibition. TERRA, which is open until 31 July at Central Craft also within the Araluen Cultural Precinct, features work from NT ceramic artists all the way from Darwin to the Central Desert.
Both exhibitions are part of Apmere Mparntwe, the 16th Australian Ceramics Triennale, which is a landmark national conference that brings together ceramic artists from around the country every three years.
In 2022, the Triennale was held in the heart of the country in Alice Springs from 19 to 23 July, and included numerous exhibitions as well as discussions, presentations and demonstrations around the themes of Archetype, Alchemy and Anarchy.
Visual Arts Lecturer Franca Barraclough, who is based at Batchelor Institute’s Desert People’s Centre Campus, congratulated the students on their achievements in both the Clay on Country and TERRA exhibitions.
“Central Australian artists have excelled in ceramics this year, supported by Batchelor workshops and partnering with Artback development,” Ms Barraclough said.
“A selection of ceramic works from Bindi, Engawalla, Walkatjara and Kaltukatjara art centres are presently being showcased at exhibitions in the 2022 Ceramics Triennale at Araluen. The works, although unique and diverse, are all thematically centred on connection to Country,” she explained.
Through these ceramic pieces, students are not only honing the creative and technical skills that underpin visual arts and craft practice, but are also building up experience relevant to work in various visual arts, crafts and design environments.
Batchelor Institute offers a Certificate I in Visual Arts (CUA10320), Certificate II in Visual Arts (CUA20720), and Certificate III in Visual Arts (CUA41220), comprising workshops held both in remote communities and on campus in either Alice Springs or Batchelor.