Tandanya - Australia's National Aboriginal Cultural Institute: Keith enjoys some of the works in the Adelaide City region of South Australia

At the beginning of the 20th century, a building down the East End of Grenfell Street was a revolution for Adelaide. It was about the coming of the electric light. Twenty years ago the building took on a whole new life - it was about the evolution of aboriginal identity and it's still lighting the way for us to get into aboriginal culture from right round the country.

Welcome to Tandanya, Australia's National Aboriginal Cultural Institute. When it was opened in 1989 it was the first of its kind and it's still Australia's oldest Aboriginal owned and managed multi-arts centre. The giant space where the massive electricity generators once roared is now home to galleries, workshops and theatres where we can explore and experience contemporary and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture - one of the oldest in the world.

For Tandanya's Director, Philip Watkins, this is the perfect fit. An accomplished artist in his own right, running Tandanya means he has the best of both worlds.

Philip Watkins, Tandanya Director: "What I love about Tandanya is the culture and diversity of the art and being surrounded by this fantastic work and fantastic people all the time. It's ever changing here - we have people coming from remote communities from regional centres, all over Australia, north south centre, east west."

The exhibitions are changed regularly but all set out to reflect the diversity of Aboriginal Art - like the stunning glasswork - collaboration between a Dutch-Australian artist and a Tiwi Islander. For Philip, it's about broadening our view of Aboriginal art with some pieces depicting stories that have been handed down through generations.

Philip Watkins, Tandanya Director: "With the Tiwi art and particularly with this exhibition there are a lot of emerging artists that are coming through and what really gives me a lot of pleasure is knowing that the future for the traditional they've had with the artwork will continue."

The cultural experience continues with the daily performances in the theatre. John Packham-Kartinyeri, Ngarrindjeri man, artist, musician and storyteller brings the experience to life with a clever mix of facts, stories, art and music.

John's been at Tandanya since day one and still revels in explaining his indigenous culture. He talks passionately about the long and rich history of his people, their language, their stories and their connection with the land…

John Packham-Kartinyeri: "Tandanya actually means red kangaroo place. It comes from the Tanda Creation story from the Kaurna people here on the Kaurna land."

A strong feature of his performance is the didgeridoo or yidaki. He explains how it originated in Arnham Land in northern Australia and is strictly a man's instrument. John reckons it's much more than a traditional musical instrument - it's an educational tool - a unique way to tell a story.

John says the lectures, performances, tours and artworks are all about education. "People come and they are surprised. Everyone thinks all aboriginal people do dot paintings and when they come into Tandanya and they see the diversity of aboriginal art - especially our modern artist - it just fantastic."

Visit Tandanya and you'll see that Aboriginal art can be very colourful - it's always moving on. Twenty years ago, Tandanya started out as the national gateway for Aboriginal culture all around - and it still is! And it's set to continue for years to come. Tandanya is down the East End in Grenfell Street. It's open daily from 10 til 5 and keep a look out for lots of Fringe events over the next couple of weeks… but things are happening throughout the year… especially in October when there'll be a week of 20th anniversary celebrations. If you have any further questions please email info at postcards-sa.com.au (to help with spam issues we have the word "at" instead of @. Please change if you are emailing)

Tandanya
253 Grenfell St
Adelaide

Open daily 10am-5pm
Free entry

Published 8th March 2009