Join our Aboriginal community art centre and create alongside indigenous artists in Yuendumu, Australia

Details

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  Description

  We are a remote Aboriginal art centre located in Yuendumu, a community 300 kms Northwest of Alice Springs in the Tanami Desert. We also have a satellite program in Nyirripi community, 160 kms further west than Yuendumu. We provide art materials to people from the communities of Willowra, Laramba and Mt Allan. We pay over 800 indigenous artists annually and the paintings that are produced are marketed nationally and internationally. All art materials are provided for free.
  
  The art is internationally recognised for its bold use of colour and strong traditional iconography. The paintings tell the story of the artists’ connection to their country, the features of the landscape, the plants and animals that are found there and the creation myths that begun in the Dreamtime. These stories are still very relevant to the artists today. Each artist has his or her own particular style and distinctive colour palette. The artists love to experiment with different techniques ensuring that the artworks and styles are constantly evolving. There are paintings in many sizes, by both established and emerging artists.
  
  Over the last 25 years we have hosted hundreds of volunteers from all over the world. Being a volunteer here offers a unique opportunity to meet and engage with Aboriginal artists in their own environment.
  
  If you would like to come for a week, a month or even a year, don’t hesitate to contact us. Please let us know what your set of skills or interests are and we will work to ensure your experience with us is as mutually rewarding as possible.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Sustainability

  

  Politics / Social justice

  

  Pets

  

  Events & social

  

  Culture

  

  Charity work

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  History

  

  Languages

  

  Photography

  

  Music

  

  Carpentry

  

  Animals

  

  Hiking

  

  Nature

  

  Fitness

  

  Camping

  

  Outdoor activities
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Volunteering here is a unique opportunity to help alongside remote Indigenous artists, on country. We support local Aboriginal artists to maintain traditional culture and to produce artworks. It is a successful Aboriginal-owned non-profit. While at Yuendumu you can attend Warlpiri classes held at the local language centre.

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  Help

  Volunteers are expected to assist our staff to help with all or some of the following tasks:
  
  mixing paints
  preparing canvas
  stretching
  priming
  photographing artworks
  taking care of senior artists
  making morning tea and lunches
  keeping the office and grounds clean and tidy
  
  Volunteering is unpaid, however, accommodation and food is provided for free.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Spanish: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  We have dedicated volunteer accommodation which we work hard to maintain to a high standard. This consists of a demountable with three shared bedrooms, kitchen and a toilet block. Depending on the number of volunteers, you might need to share a bedroom.

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  What else ...

  Yuendumu is home to a large Aboriginal community which maintains its own culture. There are important cultural sensitivities that you need to understand and respect. These include not entering certain areas in and around the community, wearing appropriate, modest clothes and requesting permission to take photographs.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Parking is provided for motorhomes within the fenced grounds at the art centre

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  Can possibly accept pets

  There are many dogs in Yuendumu. Dogs are accepted but need to be socialised with other dogs

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  Maxi (1 year)

  very boisterious

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