HISTORY
TANDANYA National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, established in 1989, is Australia’s oldest Aboriginal-owned and managed multi-arts centre. Situated on Kaurna Yarta (Kaurna Country), TANDANYA is named after the Kaurna word for “red kangaroo place,” honouring the cultural and spiritual connections of the Kaurna people to this land. The Institute was founded to celebrate and promote the cultural practices, art, and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, creating a space for cultural expression, storytelling, and connection. The building at 253 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, has a rich and layered history. Originally constructed in 1901, the site served as the former Electrical Lighting Station for the Adelaide Electric Supply Company. Its stately red-brick façade and industrial architecture are significant examples of early 20th-century civic design. The building represents Adelaide’s transition into modernity as one of the first centres for electricity production in South Australia.
In 1989, the South Australian Government gifted the building to TANDANYA as a symbol of reconciliation and support for First Nations peoples. This gesture transformed a site of industrial heritage into a cultural landmark, making it a beacon for the preservation and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions.
For over three decades, TANDANYA has been a vital space for exhibitions, performances, workshops, and gatherings, fostering intercultural dialogue and supporting the voices of First Nations artists. The building itself serves as a tangible link between the past and present, embodying resilience, transformation, and community.
Today, while undergoing essential upgrades to ensure its sustainability and accessibility, TANDANYA remains steadfast in its mission to nurture the cultural vibrancy and stories of the world’s oldest living cultures.
To read more about the Grenfell Street power station history, click on the links below: