Tjarlirli artists' bush trip, 2015. Image: Nyssa Miller, Tjarlirli Art.

Our Mission and Values

We are committed to supporting Aboriginal art centres, which provide autonomy, sustained growth and stability for Central Australian Aboriginal Communities. 

Culture First: We see culture as the priority and foundation for all our work.

Diversity: We respect the cultural diversity inherent to Central Australian Aboriginal peoples and their communities.

Autonomy: We support the independence and autonomy of our art centre members.

Ethical: We work in a manner that is ethical and transparent.

Consultation: We ensure our work is based on consultation with Aboriginal artists and art centre staff.

Desart is the conduit through which art centre business operations (financial, human, physical infrastructure) are supported and strengthened. It is our aspiration to achieve a balance between Aboriginal cultural expressions (posited within a broader western arts market) and western systems of administration and governance.