Feasibility Study completed

07 March 2011

The Feasibillity Study for the Warlpiri and Anmatyerr Language and Culture Centre was completed in December 2010, and has now been presented to the funding body. A summary is currently in development for circulation and use with funding bodies.

The key findings of the study are:

1. Support for the Centre

There was universal support for the Centre. The Centre was seen as a way of bringing the PAW Media Archive into a properly managed community access centre as well as expanding the opportunities for

 2. Services identified for the Centre

Some of these services overlap, but are listed separately for the sake of showing the scope of media proposed for inclusion in the Centre:

• Displays (artefacts, paintings, photographs, information displays, etc)
• Individual listening and viewing booths (videos and audio files) including access to the PAW Media Archive.
• Music section (traditional and contemporary) including access to the PAW Media Archive.
• Photographic displays and access to the photographs in the PAW Media Archive.
• Theatrette
• Computer room (for Internet access)
• Outside area (for sitting and relaxation)
• Language Centre
• Library
• Shop
• Café

 3. Users of the Centre

Potential users of the Centre were identified as:

• Local community members
• Education providers
• Researchers
• Tourists

 4      Location of the Centre

There was widespread support for the open area between the Council and the Central Land Council building to be used for the Centre. There was support for developing a “cultural precinct” within which one of the old “memory buildings” would be incorporated (and sensitively reconstructed)  as well as a new building for the Centre being designed and constructed for placement within the precinct.

The findings indicated that a community organisation managed by an Aboriginal Board was the most suitable model for managing the Centre.  PAW Media was identified as the most appropriate organisation.

 6      Linkages

Important linkages for the Centre were suggested as AIATSIS, NT Knowledge Centres and NT Libraries. A linkage with Tourism NT was also suggested, with the proviso that there was appropriate controls in place for content and displays that could be seen by tourists.