October 31, 2019

Since Baillie Lodges assumed management in November 2013, Longitude 131˚ has developed a mutually rewarding, multi-faceted partnership with indigenous arts community Ernabella.

Located some 250km – or a 30-minute scenic flight – from Uluru in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Ernabella now supplies its vibrant ceramics and canvases to Longitude 131˚ for display around the lodge and which are also for sale in the boutique.

Proceeds from the artwork commissions and sales make up the majority of the community’s income, ensuring the sustainable economic growth and preservation of the culture of its artists and residents.

As the relationship has grown, so too have the ways the lodge and art centre work together. Guests have a rare and very special chance to meet the artists and see how they create their works in regular artists-in-residence visits at the lodge, or in bespoke adventures to visit the art centre by four-wheel-drive or charter flight.

In 2016 and 2017 Baillie Lodges entered into a partnership with the Ernabella Arts Inc, providing $50,000 per annum over the two years to support the income of a dedicated ceramist, who would both train and mentor the artists with the aim of helping the community to become economically self-sufficient and culturally robust.

The partnership has been quickly successful and is celebrated in a new video recorded by film maker Oliver Nasht. You can watch it right here.