au courant / here now

au courant / here now showcases a selection of artists and designers from the many talented alumni of JamFactory’s Associate Program across the Glass, Ceramics, Jewellery/Metal and Furniture Studios. 

The Associate Program has been operational for over 50 years and across that time has provided training and employment for over 400 artisans. The two-year program attracts outstanding emerging artists and designers from across Australia and around the world and is led by some of Australia’s most skilled artisans. With access to JamFactory’s exceptional workshop facilities, Associates work in a supportive environment alongside their peers, studio mentors and visiting resident artists in developing extensive material knowledge, and technical, conceptual and entrepreneurial skills.  

At the conclusion of the program, alumni are equipped to take their place in Australia’s wider creative community; as highly skilled makers, educators, exhibiting and commissioned artists, working in industry, and running small businesses. Produced over decades, the work of alumni has transformed Australia’s understanding and appreciation of skilled makers and excellence in craft and design.   

Exhibitors: Kristel Britcher, Andrew Carvolth, Hamish Donaldson, Gretal Ferguson Jordan Gower, Kath Inglis, Luca Lettieri, Kerryn Levy, Nathan Martin, Lotte Schwerdtfeger, Drew Spangenberg and Leonie Westbrook 

Presented as part of the 2026 SALA Festival. 

Drew Spangenberg, Container #8 (IO), Container #22 (Grecian 3), 2026, Image: Pippy Mount

Tjunkaya Tapaya OAM: Nyuyuntja stoking of the fire, keeping the fire alive

Nyuyuntja – stoking of the fire, keeping the fire alive, celebrates the life and work of Tjunkaya Tapaya OAM (1947 – 2025). As a senior Anangu elder, and ‘deep culture woman’, Mrs Tapaya was one of the most accomplished artists associated with Australia’s longest running and highly acclaimed Aboriginal Art Centre, Ernabella Arts.

This exhibition showcases a selection of artworks made in the final years of Mrs Tapaya’s life, which highlight her confidence as a creator and storyteller, alongside the purpose and passion inherent to her practice. Nyuyuntja features works across ceramics, batik, painting and tjanpi weaving. Central to the exhibition is a significant new artwork honouring the Kunkarungkalpa Tjukurpa (Seven Sisters creation story). Combining Tjanpi weaving with ceramics, it has been finalised after Mrs Tapaya’s passing by her collaborators at Ernabella Arts and Tjanpi Desert Weavers.

Tjunkaya Tapaya OAM: Nyuyuntja – stoking of the fire, keeping the fire alive is JamFactory’s ICON exhibition for 2026. Through Nyuyuntja, we honour Mrs Tapaya’s great contribution to Aṉangu culture and her incredible legacy — one that keeps the fire burning for Aṉangu — and generously shares it with audiences.

This exhibition was launched at JamFactory Adelaide as part of SALA Festival in July followed by its showcase at JamFactory Seppeltsfield. It is accompanied by a 124-page monograph with contributions by Anne Thompson and Adele Sliuzas.

Tjunkaya Tapaya: Nyuyuntja – stoking of the fire, keeping the fire alive is presented in partnership with Ernabella Arts and is supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.

Exhibitors: Tjunkaya Tapaya OAM

And collaborators; Imiyari Adamson, Mukayi Baker Winton , Jennifer Connelly, Jacinta Heffernan, Atipalku Intjalki, Sylvana Kenny, Imuna Kenta, Jennifer Kulyuru, Daisybell Kulyuru, Michelle Lewis, Lynette Lewis, Madeline Marshall, Alison Milyika Carroll, Janice Stanley, Carlene Thompson, Marissa Thompson, Vivian Thompson, Janet Tjitayi, Katrina Tjitayi and Margaret Winton 

Curated by JamFactory and Ernabella Arts

We advise that this listing contains the name and images of Tjunkaya Tapaya OAM (1947 - 2025), shared with her family’s permission and in keeping with her wishes, so that her work for art, Aṉangu and culture continues to be remembered.