It is known as the keeping place of stories, Araluen holds within its spaces some of the most significant works of art in Central Australia and brings to the stage world class performances from around the nation (and at times the world).

The Araluen Galleries showcase the beginning and continuing development of the Contemporary Aboriginal art movement, particularly of Central Australia and the Western Desert Region as well as significant local contemporary artists in their response to place. The Araluen Art Collection includes original artworks by renowned watercolourist Albert Namatjira and his artistic response to the Central Australian landscape, displayed in rotation in the Galleries, which themselves are only minutes from the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges and the country that gave his work birth.

The Araluen Arts Centre is committed to presenting rich artistic and cultural events that capture the identity of this community: from the 20 year young and quirky Alice Springs Beanie Festival, to the nationally significant Desert Mob, presented in September every year, the very latest in the ongoing development of contemporary Indigenous art.