A chance to experience some of the culture, art and language of the Eastern Arrernte people of Central Australia is one of many highlights for delegates signing up to attend art at the heart, Regional Arts Australia’s sixth national conference to be held in Alice Springs in October.

Conference Coordinator and Artistic Director Kieren Sanderson said that several Eastern Arrernte families will be present at Alice Springs throughout the conference, inviting visitors to see how their arts practices allowed them to transfer ancient knowledge into the contemporary world.

“Apmeraltye Ingkerreke: People of the Land, All Together will offer a rare insight into Arrernte culture and will be a real drawcard of the conference program,” Ms Sanderson said.

Speaking at the program launch, Regional Arts Australia’s Vice President, Steve Grieve, said art at the heart would draw artists, arts workers and volunteers from across the country.

“Alice Springs is a desert town at the geographic heart of Australia. It is also a place that has inspired great art for thousands of years. Holding our national conference here will provide a great natural forum to discuss the challenges and achievements of the arts in regional Australia.