The community of Mimili is in the far north west of South Australia, at the base of the Everard Ranges, in the Anangu Pitjanjara Yankunytjatjara Lands (APY Lands) and is home to about 350 people. It was established in the 1970s when the land, formerly part of Everard Park Station, was returned to its traditional owners, many of whom had previously worked on the station at mustering, droving, and horse breaking. It is 645 Km from Alice Springs the nearest large town.
The art centre takes its name from the maku (witchetty grub) found in the roots of the Acacia Kempeana. The Maku Tjukurpa (witchetty grub song line) is a significant story from this area.
The art centre involves men and women young and old people from the community and four surrounding homelands of Perentie Bore, Wanmara, Blue Hills and Sandy Bore.
Exhibited works by Mimili Maku artists attract attention with their traditional imagery, symbols and narrative combined with untainted abstract and distinctive application of colour. The strong abstract variations and complex depictions of country, tjukurpa and contemporary stories by artists at Mimili Maku generate unmatched interest from Australian and international collectors.
As with other art centres, Mimili Maku Arts is an Aboriginal owned and governed arts business.
