The Finocchiaro CLP Government has secured Desert Mob at the Araluen Arts Centre for the next five years, giving Desart the certainty to plan and deliver the nationally significant event through to 2030.
Desert Mob brings together hundreds of Aboriginal artists from more than 30 community-controlled art centres, creating opportunities to share culture, reach new audiences and generate income for artists and communities.
The Government contributed more than $500,000 to Desart and Desert Mob for the 2026 event, reflecting its commitment to restoring the Territory lifestyle and delivering the growth, certainty and security the Territory's unique arts sector needs to thrive.
Hundreds of Aboriginal artists will continue to share their art, culture and stories with audiences across Australia and around the world, with the Northern Territory Government securing Desert Mob at Araluen Arts Centre for another five years.
Minister for Arts Jinson Charls joined artists and community members in Alice Springs last night to officially open Desert Mob 2026 and announce the new agreement which locks in the event from 2026 to 2030 with guaranteed annual funding.
Desert Mob is one of Australia's longest-running Aboriginal art events. Since 1991, it has provided a platform for Aboriginal artists and community-controlled art centres to share culture, build careers and connect directly with collectors, galleries and audiences.
Minister Charls said the Government's continued support for Desert Mob reflects its commitment to celebrating Aboriginal art and culture which are integral to the Territory's way of life.
"The arts are a key part of what makes the Territory such a unique and extraordinary destination, not just in Australia, but the world. Arts sits at the core of our lifestyle and our social fabric, and Desert Mob highlights the best of what the Territory has to offer," Minister Charls said.
"Desert Mob puts Aboriginal artists, culture and stories at the centre, while creating real opportunities for artists and community-controlled art centres to earn income, build their profile and reach audiences from around the world."
"I am proud the Northern Territory Government has secured this iconic event at Araluen for another five years, strengthening our commitment to growth, certainty and security for the Territory."
Desert Mob CEO Philip Watkins welcomed the five-year agreement, saying it sets the event up for continued growth and gives Desart and its member art centres a clear runway to plan ahead.
"Desert Mob belongs to the artists, art centres and communities who come together each year from across Central Australia. It connects artists directly with audiences and collectors, generates important income and celebrates the strength and diversity of desert art and culture," Mr Watkins said.
"This five-year agreement gives Desart and our member art centres the certainty to plan ahead, build on Desert Mob's success and continue creating meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal artists to share their work, culture and stories."
The 2026 exhibition features hundreds of new works from more than 30 Aboriginal-governed art centres across Central Australia and is open at Araluen Arts Centre from 5pm Thursday 10 September to Sunday 25 October.
For the full program and visitor information, visit desertmob.com here.
