Papulankutja Artists is situated in the community know as Blackstone (Papulankutja) which is embraced by the Blackstone Ranges.

The region was a major population area for the original aboriginal people of the Central Reserve and is still an important ceremonial area.

Many traditional stories and Dreaming tracks associated with rituals are found nearby.

In 1975 several family groups who had traditional ties to the Blackstone area moved back and established a small outstation, camping close to a windmill and tank.

After a few ups and downs the community strengthened, developed a good infrastructure and moved to its current location.

Blackstone Hs become a small cultural oasis where traditional bush foods and medicines are in good supply, people can retain their culture and speak their native Ngaanyatjarra language without the intrusive elements of western culture.

Papulankutja Artists is building on a history of cultural activities and has the good fortune of having an active group of young artists working under the guidance of elders who enjoy sharing their knowledge and experience.

Traditionally, the Yarnangu (people) had a strong history of working with their hands.

These skills have been adapted to produce innovative art and craft we see today at Papulankutja with artists making wonderful sculptures from wood and Spinifex (a desert grass) as well as practical items for ceremonial life.

The production of art and craft provide an important source of income and play an important role in the maintenance of law and culture.

Using canvas instead of rock surfaces or sand, the artists paint their country and depict some of the important stories of this region such as the Wati Kutjarra (two men), Seven Sisters, Pukara (a waterhole) and Ilurrpa (another waterhole).

Papulankutja Artists began around 2003 emerging out of the Women’s Centre where both the men and women started to gather to create acrylic paintings on canvas.

In mid 2008 Papulankutja Artists moved into a new purpose built art centre with separate areas for the men and women.

The new facility is a vision realised and will become a centre for art and culture where artworks from the community, of all kinds, can be properly housed together with collected stories of Papulankutja’s cultural history and people.