Desert Mob 2025 Program Announced

One of Australia’s most significant Aboriginal art events returns to Alice Springs this September, featuring hundreds of artists from 35 remote Art Centres across the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia.

Words: Robert Buratti

Desart, the peak body for Central Australian Aboriginal Art Centres, has announced the full program for Desert Mob 2025, one of the nation’s oldest and most extraordinary celebrations of Aboriginal art and culture.

Taking place on Arrernte Country in Mparntwe/Alice Springs from Thursday 11 September to Sunday 26 October, the event will see thousands of people travel to share in the richness and diversity of desert art in the heart of Australia.

Co-curated by Hetti Perkins (Arrernte and Kalkadoon) and Aspen Beattie (Luritja, Warumungu and Yawuru), Desert Mob 2025 brings together hundreds of artists from 35 Art Centres located across the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia.

“For more than 30 years, Desert Mob has celebrated the immense contribution of Aboriginal artists and their art centres,” said Philip Watkins, Chief Executive Officer of Desart. “Its far-reaching reputation has seen our culture enthusiastically received into some of the most significant collections, galleries and museums around the world.”

The program features the renowned Desert Mob opening night and exhibition at the Araluen Arts Centre, alongside a comprehensive day of artist talks, vibrant art marketplace, and numerous satellite events including workshops, demonstrations and performances.

“Desert Mob is among the most eagerly anticipated and well attended events by artists from Central Australia,” said co-curator Hetti Perkins. “For audiences, the chance to enjoy the exhibition, talks, workshops, marketplace and much more, in the company of the artists and their families, is unrivalled.”

Key events include the official opening night on Thursday 11 September featuring live music by Warren H Williams and Family band, the main exhibition running until 26 October, Artist Talks on Friday 12 September, and the Desert Mob Marketplace on Saturday 13 September.

A special highlight is Desert Mob After Dark on Wednesday 8 October, offering an intimate evening with exclusive exhibition viewing, curator talks, bush food dining by Kungkas Can Cook, and live music under the stars.

The full Desert Mob 2025 program is now live at desertmob.com with tickets for select events on sale.

This article was posted 18 July 2025.

Cover image: Curator Floortalk by Hetti Perkins and Aspen Beattie at Desert Mob After Dark, 2024. Photo by Sara Maiorino, courtesy of Desart

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