We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of New South Wales stands.

Indigenous art tours

East Arnhem Land, photo: Tourism NT / Mark Fitzpatrick

East Arnhem Land, photo: Tourism NT / Mark Fitzpatrick

Travel with friends

As part of our members tours program, we are delighted to offer two Indigenous art tours in 2023. Join our art tours to celebrate the great diversity of First Nations art and culture, gain rare access to local community art centres and private artists’ studios, and experience pristine landscapes along the way.

2023 tours

  • Screen-printed fabric, Tiwi Islands © Liam Neil

    Lands of the Saltwater people: Darwin to Nhulunbuy 10–18 August 2023

    Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Tiwi Islands and Yirrkala
    With Djon Mundine

    Discover the history, art and culture of Australia’s Top End, in the company of activist and curator of contemporary Aboriginal art Djon Mundine OAM. Enjoy the artistic highlights of the Top End, with the opening of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair and the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, two important events celebrating the great diversity of First Nations art and culture. Then travel across the pristine turquoise waters of the Arafura Sea to explore the distinctive Tiwi culture on Bathurst Island. Fly to East Arnhem Land and the Yirrkala community with its outstanding Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, where Yolŋu artists exhibit and sell their vibrant contemporary work. 

    • Encounter a proud and distinct arts-and-crafts tradition in the Tiwi Islands and discover historic sites that have significance for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities

    • Gain special, after-hours access to the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards exhibition in Darwin

    • Marvel at the world-renowned art of the Yolŋu people at Yirrkala in north-east Arnhem Land

    • Benefit from engaging private talks from your tour leader Djon Mundine OAM 

    Bundjalung man Djon Mundine OAM, a curator, writer, artist and activist, is celebrated as a foundational figure in the criticism and exhibition of contemporary Aboriginal art. He is a former arts advisor in Milingimbi and Ramingining in Arnhem Land and has been a judge of the prestigious Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award.

    Visit the Renaissance Tours website for more information

    Screen-printed fabric, Tiwi Islands © Liam Neil

    Screen-printed fabric, Tiwi Islands © Liam Neil