Background

Tjanpi Desert Weavers: Contemporary Aboriginal Fibre Art

Experience contemporary Aboriginal fibre art at Tjanpi Desert Weavers in Alice Springs, supporting women artists from remote Central Australian communities.

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Tjanpi Desert Weavers is a vibrant Aboriginal-owned social enterprise in Alice Springs, showcasing contemporary fibre art created by over 400 women from 26 remote communities. Explore handwoven baskets, sculptures, and jewellery, each telling a story of skill and connection to Country.

A brief summary to Tjanpi Desert Weavers

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday as Tjanpi Desert Weavers is closed on weekends and public holidays.
  • Combine your visit with a coffee at the nearby Watertank Café and explore other art galleries in the area.
  • Allow ample time to browse the diverse collection and learn about the stories behind the artworks.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Tjanpi Desert Weavers is located at 3 Wilkinson Street, a short walk from the Alice Springs town centre. From the Todd Mall, head east towards the Stuart Highway, then turn left onto Stott Terrace. Turn right onto Wilkinson Street. Tjanpi Desert Weavers will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    The Alice Springs bus network operates from Monday to Saturday. Several bus routes service the area around Tjanpi Desert Weavers. Check the local bus schedule for the most convenient route and timetable. The bus interchange is located in the Alice Springs CBD. As of July 2025, all public bus services in Alice Springs are free.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Alice Springs. A taxi or ride-share from the Alice Springs town centre to Tjanpi Desert Weavers will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between $15 and $25.

Unlock the Best of Tjanpi Desert Weavers

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Discover more about Tjanpi Desert Weavers

Tjanpi Desert Weavers, meaning 'grass' in the Pitjantjatjara language, is more than just an art gallery; it's a dynamic social enterprise of the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women's Council. Since 1995, Tjanpi has provided opportunities for women in remote Central and Western desert regions to earn an income through contemporary fibre art. Located a few minutes from the Alice Springs town centre, the gallery showcases an ever-changing collection of handwoven baskets, sculptures, hand-painted jewellery, and design-led merchandise. Each piece is crafted with native desert grasses and natural fibres, reflecting the ingenuity, skill, and deep connection to Country of the artists. The women come together to collect grass, hunt, gather food, visit sacred sites, perform cultural songs and dances (inma), and teach younger generations about their culture. Tjanpi Desert Weavers revitalizes and celebrates the ancient weaving traditions of Aboriginal women from Central Australia. Their work has gained national and international recognition, with pieces acquired by major galleries and museums. In 2005, a collective of 18 artists won the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award for their work Tjanpi Toyota. Tjanpi embodies the energies and rhythms of country, culture and community. Visiting Tjanpi offers a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Central Australian Aboriginal art and support the economic independence of women in remote communities.

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