After a hugely successful inaugural event in October 2015, BHP Billiton is proud to announce it will partner with TARNANTHI, the Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, for a further five years to 2021.

The Festival, presented by the Art Gallery of South Australia and supported by the Government of South Australia, brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from around Australia to share their stories and culture through works of art.

In 2015, total audiences at TARNANTHI exhibitions and events exceeded 311,000 – making it the largest Aboriginal art event ever staged in South Australia. Through the extension of this partnership, TARNANTHI will become an annual, city-wide festival with a major biennial offering at the Art Gallery of South Australia from October 2017.

Jacqui McGill, Asset President at Olympic Dam, said BHP Billiton was excited to be able to support this unique art event for a further five years.

“In 2015, more than 14,000 young people enjoyed the education and children’s programs presented as part of TARNANTHI. The two-day Art Fair attracted 5,500 visitors and generated over AU$450,000 in direct sales to artists and art centres.

“With the extension of our partnership for a further five years, we look forward to an even bigger celebration – with greater involvement from young people, but also from regional areas right across Australia,” she said.

BHP Billiton President Operations Minerals Australia, Mike Henry, said BHP Billiton was proud to make this contribution as part of its long term commitment to South Australia and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and culture communities.

“Through TARNATHI’s showcasing of contemporary art and culture, we look forward to greater long term, economic development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities across Australia,” he said.

In 2015, TARNANTHI featured more than 1,068 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists at the Gallery of South Australia and 22 partner exhibitions, with 1,283 individual works of art. The event was recognised at the 2016 Premier’s Community Excellence Awards in Mining and Energy, with BHP Billiton, the South Australian Government and the Art Gallery of South Australia jointly receiving the Award for Excellence in Supporting Communities.