The Department of Tourism and Culture’s Araluen Arts Centre has invested $170,000 to stunningly refurbish its Box Office, providing easier wheelchair access and better flow for Territorians and visitors to the precinct.

“We are thrilled to present what will soon become a major feature of Araluen Arts Centre featuring several beautiful stained glass windows brought out of storage. We have revamped our Box Office area to provide a modern and functional workspace for both our staff and visitors,” Department of Tourism and Culture, Director of the Araluen Cultural Precinct, Dr Mark Crees said.

“This refurbishment improves access to the Box Office and Araluen Galleries for both staff and visitors by providing accessibility for wheelchair patrons, exceptionally better flow and clear signage.

“The new workstation also provides improved ergonomic work stations for our staff including sit and stand desks.

The refurbishment was completed by Alice Springs contractors Edifice and Neeta Glass, having been designed by Alice Springs architectural firm Zone A. The Araluen Arts Centre Gallery Desk will also be refurbished with construction completed in the next few months.

“Complementing the refurbished Box Office’s vastly improved functionality includes a major artistic and aesthetic element. Visually, the highlight of this project is the installation of exquisite stained glass windows which were created by Cedar Prest. Titled The Ochre Pits these remarkable artworks have been hiding away in storage since 1999.”

The stained glass windows were designed by Prest and subsequently made by a community team and installed in 1984 for the opening of the Araluen Arts Centre through the assistance of the Crafts Board of the Australia Council for the Arts.

The windows were part of a major project of stained glass windows that adorn the front of the Araluen Arts Centre with many of the other designs being created by year 10 students from Yirara College.

“The Araluen stained glass window project commenced in May 1983 and culminated in 1988 with the floor-to-ceiling Arrernte Country, a large scale multi-panelled window based on a painting by Wenten Rubuntja that is part of the Araluen Art Collection.  It is the visual focal point of the Araluen foyer and one of the most impressive pieces of public art in Alice Springs.” Dr Crees said.

The Ochre Pits were originally installed within the Araluen boardroom as part of the original construction of the Araluen Arts Centre but were removed and placed into storage during the late 1990s during major extension building works.

“We are delighted to have these works back on permanent display for the public and tie-in with our beautiful foyer stained-glass window,” Dr Crees added.

“The Ochre Pits represent an iconic element of the Central Australian landscape and celebrate this country through their unique design.  The new Box Office area not only increases access and utility but reinforces Araluen Art Centre’s identity as a major regional museum of art with a focus on artwork that responds to Central Australia.”

“I can’t wait for Alice Springs locals and interstate and international visitors to be immersed in this kind of artwork as they engage with Gallery and Box Office staff, purchase tickets and generally enjoy this incredible Territory Government arts and tourism asset.”

Media interview
Araluen Cultural Precinct Director, Dr Mark Crees 08 8951 1122