New $200m Aboriginal art gallery named Tarrkarri, which means ‘the future’ in Kaurna language

Construction has started on the state’s landmark $200m Indigenous art gallery at Lot Fourteen, as its symbolic name is revealed.

Construction on the state’s landmark $200 million indigenous art gallery has started, as its symbolic name is revealed.

Premier Steven Marshall and Kaurna Elder Uncle Jeffrey Newchurch on Tuesday unveiled the centre’s name, Tarrkarri, which will be the future centrepiece of Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen site.

Mr Marshall said the new name meant “the future” in Kaurna language and “symbolises the setting of strong foundations for the Centre and where the Centre is located on the Adelaide Plains”.

The Aboriginal Art and Cultures Centre will house Aboriginal artefacts and other indigenous artworks when it opens in 2025.

Officials say the name was selected by the centre’s Aboriginal Reference Group and given cultural consent by Kaurna Warra Karrpanthi.

Major builder Lend Lease has started construction, which will take 2.5 years.

The final plans for the Aboriginal Arts and Cultures Centre at Lot Fourteen. Picture: Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Woods Bagot

The centre’s North Terrace frontage. Picture: Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Woods Bagot

Mr Marshall said fewer than 1 per cent of current artefacts were on public display.

“Traditionally there’s been a lot of focus … about indigenous deficits, so what is going wrong and closing the gap,” Mr Marshall said.

“We have to work on closing that gap. But this to me is a narrative game changer.

“This is where, I think, young Aboriginal people will be able to look up at the most incredible and impressive building on the skyline and say ‘that’s my culture’ and something they can be very proud of.

“We will, of course, acknowledge the harsh realities and truth on colonisation in Australia. “There will be an element of truth telling. There will overwhelmingly, I think, be an element of celebration … on all that Aboriginal Australia has achieved. But most importantly, the future Tarrkarri, what is lying ahead.”

Ambassador for the Aboriginal Art and Cultures Centre and the Aboriginal Reference Group leader, David Rathman, said the new Kaurna name was a “perfect title”.

“(It) will showcase to the world, and all Australians, 60,000 years of culture, understanding of country and contemporary expression,” he said.

“It will allow us to share our unique cultures and stories, while creating a lively and immersive journey together.”

Aerial view of the centre. Picture: Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Woods Bagot

Federal Communications and Arts Minister Paul Fletcher said the centre, jointly funded through the Adelaide City Deal, would be an “important cultural and tourism attraction”.

“The new Aboriginal Art and Cultures Centre – Tarrkarri – will showcase the rich history of Aboriginal cultures in Australia to hundreds of thousands of visitors each year through immersive visual and performance arts,” Minister Fletcher said.

Mr Marshall said a director and board was being finalised but it would have a heavy representation from indigenous cultures.

An assistant director, Lee-ann Buckskin, has been appointed.