Tarnanthi

The name Tarnanthi (pronounced tar-nan-dee) comes from the language of the Kaurna people, the traditional owners of the Adelaide Plains. It means to come forth or appear – like the sun and the first emergence of light.

Tarnanthi is a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across the country to share important stories through artistic excellence, illuminating the diversity and depth of art and culture in communities nationwide. It encourages new beginnings by providing artists with opportunities to create significant new work and to extend their practice.

Tarnanthi presents exhibitions at AGSA and on tour, an annual art fair, artist talks, performances, workshops and a groundbreaking education program. A major highlight is the Tarnanthi Festival, held every two years in Adelaide and across South Australia. Since beginning as a one-off event in 2015, Tarnanthi has developed from delivering acclaimed annual exhibitions in Adelaide into a continuous celebration of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, reaching national and international audiences.