In Haasts Bluff, a remote community in the Western Desert, art is transforming into economic power.
Ikuntji Artists, the first art centre established in the Western Desert in 1992, has launched Ikuntji Designs, a dedicated fashion label that is breaking new ground in Indigenous textile and fashion.
In 2024–25, Ikuntji Artists received targeted support from Aboriginal Investment NT's Grant Program, allowing the organisation to scale operations across several strategic priority areas. This included expansion of textile production and sampling capabilities, investment in fashion-specific design and marketing tools, development of international-ready export pathways, and support for artist development and cultural leadership.
"The support from Aboriginal Investment NT has been transformative for Ikuntji Artists," says Chrischona Schmidt, Manager of Ikuntji Artists.
"It's given us the capacity to expand our textiles and fashion program beyond what was previously possible. With this support, we're building infrastructure, marketing reach, and professional development to establish Ikuntji Designs as a label. It allows our artists to see their work on runways nationally and internationally, and positions the Northern Territory as a leader in Indigenous design."
Ikuntji's textiles now generate more than a third of its revenue. Their vibrant, story-rich fabrics have appeared on global runways, at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Darwin Fashion Week, and even at Japan's Osaka Expo. Yet each design remains rooted in Country, drawn from Dreaming stories handed down through generations.
"Ikuntji textiles are grounded in Dreaming stories," Roseranna Larry, Chairperson of Ikuntji Artists, says.
"To see these cultural narratives walking down runways is incredibly powerful; it means the artists' voices, histories, and knowledge systems are visible and celebrated on a global stage. Each garment carries culture from Haasts Bluff to the world, while keeping our traditions alive in contemporary ways."
Nigel Browne, CEO of Aboriginal Investment NT, says this is exactly why investing in culture matters.
"Aboriginal Investment NT is so proud to play a small part in Ikuntji Artists' growth," he says.
"Culture is a strong motivator, equipping Aboriginal Territorians with a comparative advantage to thrive in culture-based industries. These industries provide sustainable employment and business opportunities, and they allow Aboriginal Territorians to take ownership of their futures and live well according to their own values. This is self-determination in action."
That self-determination is tangible in Haasts Bluff. The growth of Ikuntji's fashion program has created jobs, particularly for women, and inspired younger generations.
"Young women in our community are engaging in design through residencies and workshops, inspired by seeing their mothers' and grandmothers' work showcased internationally," Ms Larry explains.
"This work generates income, builds confidence, and shows them their culture has a strong and valued place in the world."
Crucially, Ikuntji is balancing global reach with cultural sovereignty. An Aboriginal-run board oversees all decisions, licensing protects intellectual property, and every garment remains tied to its cultural source.
"As Ikuntji Designs grows, the integrity and sovereignty of our artists and stories remain central," Ms Larry says.
For them, the future is clear: more runways, more opportunities, and more control in the hands of the community.
"Self-determination means artists driving their own careers and community futures. We want Ikuntji Designs to be a global leader in Indigenous fashion, to grow the NT's creative economy, and to leave a legacy where First Nations culture is celebrated as part of Australia's national identity."
Haasts Bluff's story shows what's possible when culture and investment come together; not charity, but partnership. And when that happens, art becomes enterprise, and Country becomes a global force.