Australian Indigenous art is celebrated around the world – but how much is understood about its pivotal role in Indigenous culture, country, politics and law? 

For the Yolngu people of north-east Arnhem Land, art is more than just aesthetic, it is a means of cultural diplomacy, and a respectful assertion of power in its diverse forms, from sovereignty to influence, authority and control, to energy, strength and pride.

This episode brings together two significant exhibitions of Indigenous art on now, Yolngu Power: the art of Yirrkala, and 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art.

This conversation was recorded at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on 30 July 2025. 

Speakers

Marcia Langton Co-curator (with Judith Ryan) of the exhibition 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art, Potter Museum of Art, University of Melbourne (until 22 November 2025) Foundation Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies, Associate Provost and Distinguished Professor, University of Melbourne   

Clare Wright Author, Naku Dharuk The Bark Petitions: How the People of Yirrkala Changed the Course of Australian Democracy and more Professor of History and Professor of Public Engagement at La Trobe University 

Anna Clark (host) Author, Making Australian History, Private Lives, Public History, the History Wars  Professor of history, Australian Centre for Public History, University of Technology Sydney 

Further information:

Yolngu power: the art of Yirrkala Art Gallery of New South Wales (until 6 October 2025)

65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art Potter Museum of Art, University of Melbourne (until 22 November 2025)