Yarrenyty Arltere was established in 2000 as an intergenerational training programme through the Yarrenyty Arltere Learning Centre (YALC), in response to the chronic social distress faced by families.

In 2009, the art centre became an enterprise.

Yarrenyty Arltere has enabled people to make dramatic changes to their lives and has been highly successful in strengthening the community. Located in Larapinta Valley Town Camp in Alice Springs, the centre works with western Arrernte and Luritja artists.

The centre’s name, Yarrenyty Arltere, means white devil dog, referring to the prominent white hill opposite YALC.

It is associated with the Dog Dreaming, which belongs to the central Arrernte people.

Central to the practice of artists at Yarrenyty Arltere is soft sculpture, film and print making.

The soft sculptures are crafted from recycled woollen blankets dyed with local Arrernte plants, including eucalyptus leaves, native mistletoe, barks and mushroom powders.

An array of found objects such as old car parts, washers, rusted pieces of metal and kitchen items are also tied into the blankets for dying, creating exquisite colours and patterns.

The blankets are then used as the base material to create unique and innovative sculptures that celebrate the diversity of these artists and their extraordinary lives in Central Australia.

The artists create work that is beautiful and inspiring, reflecting the experiences of people who have lived on town camps for a number of generations.

The soft sculptures, prints and films are exciting forms of expression that connect with people across Australia.

The works of Yarrenyty Arltere artists are exhibited and sold in reputable galleries across Australia and internationally and are part of major public and private collections, with many artists selected for major art awards.

All artists are members of the art steering committee and can participate in art centre activities and decision making.

The art centre supports its artists by offering additional services and programmes such as access to phones and computers, training, bush trips, visiting local galleries, as well as taking artists on interstate trips when possible.

Yarrenyty Arltere is a not-for-profit Aboriginal owned and managed organisation that challenges people into new paths of learning, extending themselves, their skills and their talents.