Thirty years ago, a bold idea took shape in the Northern Territory: that local artists, performers and storytellers deserved to be seen, heard and celebrated on stages and walls across Australia and beyond.

That idea became Artback NT, and today, three decades later, it stands as one of the Territory’s most enduring and influential arts organisations.

From humble beginnings in 1995 to reaching more than 2.76 million people worldwide, Artback NT has been the beating heart of NT touring arts, connecting artists, audiences, culture and communities through stories that speak of this land and its many voices.

From Red Dirt Airstrips to International Stages
Artback NT’s story is one of distance, diversity and deep connection. The organisation has taken Territory stories to audiences everywhere, from intimate performances on remote red dirt airstrips to exhibitions in the country’s leading galleries, and even Yolŋu performances on Taiwanese traditional lands.

As the Northern Territory’s leading visual and performing arts touring body, Artback NT is the only NT organisation recognised within Creative Australia’s National Partnerships Framework, and represents the Territory nationally through the National Exhibitions Touring Agency (NETS Australia).

Over the years, it has remained a not-for-profit with heart, a small but mighty team dedicated to championing artists and communities with imagination and integrity.

“Artback NT was born from a bold idea that the stories and creative expressions of the Northern Territory deserve to be seen, heard and celebrated across Australia and beyond,” says CEO Michelle Bell.

“As we mark 30 years, we honour the artists, communities and collaborators who’ve shaped our journey, and we look ahead with renewed energy to continue building pathways for Territory creatives to thrive.”

Festivals that Strengthen Culture
Among its many achievements, the Remote Festivals Program has become one of Artback NT’s proudest legacies.
Launched in 2007 with the Malandarri Festival in Borroloola, the program celebrates and revitalises First Nations cultural practices through dance, song and contemporary performance.

These festivals are more than events; they are moments of cultural continuity and exchange, supporting intergenerational learning and creative expression while creating vital training and employment opportunities in remote communities.

Each festival tells its own story of Country, language and identity, showcasing the resilience and brilliance of artists who carry their culture forward through performance and art.

Creating Pathways for the Future
While touring remains at the heart of Artback NT’s work, the organisation has also invested in growing the next generation of NT creatives.

Programs like Spark and the Emerging Producers Program have opened doors for artists and producers to develop their practice, build sustainable careers and strengthen the creative sector across the Territory.

The Performing Arts Program continues to develop and tour theatre, music and dance productions that reflect NT’s diverse communities, while the Visual Arts Program offers curatorial support, touring opportunities and professional development for artists to exhibit both nationally and internationally.

Through these programs, Artback NT continues to expand the Australian arts landscape, bringing Territory perspectives to the fore.

Looking Ahead
As Artback NT steps into its next chapter, the organisation remains grounded in its founding vision: to expand the Australian narrative through the voices and stories of the Northern Territory.

With a legacy built on cultural respect, collaboration and creative excellence, Artback NT is not slowing down. It is evolving, innovating and continuing to create pathways for artists to thrive.

Images:
Malandarri Fesitval 2022 by Benjamin Warlngundu Bayliss.
Trash Magic
Rachael Wallis – Taiwan Exchange by Jimmy – BIS Taiwan