The Tjanpi Desert Weavers, a collective of over 400 Indigenous women from 26 remote communities across central Australia, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Founded in 1995 through workshops facilitated by the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara, and Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council (NPYWC), the group began with basket weaving and has since evolved into a powerful cultural and economic movement. Artists like Julie Anderson and her niece Justine found creative fulfillment and financial independence through weaving, while also preserving cultural knowledge and connecting with Country.
The Tjanpi Desert Weavers’ work, which includes imaginative animal sculptures and functional items like lampshades, has gained international acclaim. Notably, the group won the 2005 Natsiaa prize, collaborated with artist Fiona Hall for the 2015 Venice Biennale, and contributed to global exhibitions like “Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters.
The group’s impact is cultural, economic, and artistic—empowering generations of Indigenous women to earn income, share stories, and sustain vital traditions through art. Their work not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of central Australia but also serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Indigenous communities.
