Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, Adelaide

The Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, commonly known as Tandanya, is a prominent art museum on Grenfell Street in Adelaide. Specializing in Indigenous Australian art, Tandanya showcases a diverse range of cultural expressions, including visual art, music, and storytelling. This institute holds the distinction of being the oldest Aboriginal-owned and -run cultural center in Australia, reflecting its deep connection to the Indigenous communities it represents.

The name "Tandanya" is derived from the Kaurna Aboriginal people's name for the Adelaide city center and parklands area, which translates to "place of the red kangaroo." This name underscores the institute's cultural and historical ties to the land and its original inhabitants.

Established in 1989, Tandanya's inaugural exhibition featured a collection of artworks on silk created by women from Utopia in the Northern Territory, titled Utopia — A Picture Story. This exhibition set the tone for the institute's mission to celebrate and promote Indigenous art and culture.

The institute is housed in a historically significant building at the eastern end of Grenfell Street, originally the Grenfell Street Power Station, which later served as a TAFE college. The building dates back to 1901 but underwent extensive modifications in 1912–13, resulting in its Palladian-style façade. This heritage-listed structure has been recognized for its engineering significance, with a "Historic Engineering Plaque" dedicated in 1995.

Tandanya not only serves as a vital cultural hub for Indigenous Australians but also stands as a significant historical and architectural landmark in Adelaide.