Presented by Desart, Desert Mob brings together hundreds of artists to celebrate desert culture in the heart of Australia.
One of the nation’s oldest Aboriginal art festivals, Desert Mob features an exhibition, art market, artist talks and satellite events throughout Mparntwe (Alice Springs). From the Opening Night celebration to evening curator talks, art workshops and music performances, Desert Mob is an unmissable celebration of the art, stories, and culture of hundreds of artists across central desert Country.
In 2026, the Desert Mob exhibition will feature works by emerging and established artists from 35 Aboriginal art centres across the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. Exhibiting alongside Desert Mob at the Araluen Arts Centre, the 5th Vincent Lingiari Art Awards return with winners to be announced at the Desert Mob Opening Night celebrations on Thursday 10 September.
On Friday 11 September, join art centres and special guests for Desert Mob Artist Talks – an intimate day of presentations, performances, and stories celebrating culture, community and country.
Head to the buzzing Desert Mob Art Market (formerly known as Marketplace) on Saturday 12th September and acquire works directly from artists whilst enjoying live music from 8CCC Community Radio and food and coffee from Yaye’s Cafe and local vendors.
Experience the unique program of cultural events that is Desert Mob during September and October in 2026! For full program and event details, head to www.desertmob.com.
Desert Mob is proudly presented by Desart, the peak arts body for Central Australian Aboriginal Arts Centres and is supported by the NT Government through Arts NT, Tourism and Events NT, and the Community Benefit Fund, Creative Australia, and the Australian Government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Strategy and the Visual Arts and Crafts Strategy.
Images: 1. L-R, Andrea Pungarta Rontji and Hayley Panangka Coulthar of Hermmansburg Potters at Desert Mob Opening 2025. 2. L-R, Adrian Jangala Robertson and Charles Jangala Inkamala of Bindi Mwerre Anthurre Artists at Desert Mob 2025 opening night. 2. Tjanpi Desert Weavers at Desert Mob Art Market 2025. 3. Desert Mob Artist 2025 Talks featuring Coralie Williams of Tangentyere Artists. Photo Sara Maiorino, courtesy Desart. 4. Louise Robertson of Yarrenyty Arltere Artists at their Soft Sculpture Workshop at Desert Mob Art Market, 2025. All photos by Sara Maiorino, courtesy Desart.
For more information click here
