The Araluen Arts Centre is the focal point of Alice Springs' performing and visual arts scene, incorporating a series of art galleries and a professional theatre. The galleries feature exhibitions from the Araluen Collection with a focus on contemporary Aboriginal art from Central Australia and both local and Australian artists. Travelling exhibitions are a key highlight of the annual visual arts program. The Albert Namatjira Gallery exhibits a selection of paintings by this famous artist, his descendants and contemporaries. It also includes some early Papunya boards showing the emergence of western desert dot painting and contemporary trends in Aboriginal art. The Araluen Arts Centre was designed and built around the 300 year old Corkwood Tree in the Sculpture Garden. This tree, another at the front of the building and Big Sister Hill are also considered sacred by the local Arrernte people. Araluen Arts Centre is part of the Araluen Cultural Precinct.
