Celebrating NAIDOC Week and the Warlukurlangu Artists

Celebrate the rich history of NAIDOC Week with us! Spotlight has partnered with the talented Warlukurlangu artists of the Yuendumu community to bring you four stunning Aboriginal art-inspired projects you can make at home.

What is Warlukurlangu?

Located northwest of Alice Springs, the community of Yuendumu is home to the Warlukurlangu Artists, sometimes shortened to Warlu. In the native Warlpiri language, Warlukurlangu means 'belonging to fire' and is named after a fire dreaming site that is located west of Yuendumu.

This Aboriginal-owned art centre has had its art featured both in Australia and overseas, and has been supporting the Yuendumu community since 1985.

Aboriginal art projects

1. Warlu Quilt Project - create a stunning quilt that features seven pieces of Aboriginal art combined into one. Perfect as a bedspread, draped over a couch or proudly displayed on a wall!
2. Warlu Laptop Bag Project - create a bag tailored to your laptop in beautiful Warlukurlangu fabric. It zips closed and comes with extra pockets for storing other accessories.
3. Warlu Lunch Bag Project - this handy bag is the perfect size for your groceries or as a work bag. It is double-lined and buttons closed, ensuring the contents will stay safely inside.
4. Warlu Kimono Project - create a simple but stylish open kimono-style shirt in three steps! This shirt is perfect for summer nights and is made of comfortable poplin cotton.

How you can help Warlukurlangu artists

There are heaps of wonderful ways you can get involved to support the Yuendumu community and its artists. If you love the designs you've seen above, please consider getting involved in any of the following ways:

• Donate - you can donate to support health projects in Yuendumu, as well as the Men's Museum and local Dog Program.
• Volunteer - volunteer for a week, month or even a year at the art centre. You'll have plenty of unique and interesting opportunities to engage with the artists in their community.
• Shop - directly support the artists and art centre by purchasing some of their work! Choose from stretched and unstretched paintings, as well as prints and gift vouchers.

Explore their website to learn more about the artists and the Aboriginal art centre here.

Shop Aboriginal fabrics at Spotlight

Hooked on the beauty of Aboriginal fabrics? Check out Spotlight's full range of Warlukurlangu fabrics online, or head to your nearest Spotlight store to view the range in person.

Keen to start sewing but not sure what you need? Our sewing and fabric buying guides will help point you in the right direction. And make sure to browse our sewing projects for even more clothes and accessories to make!