Supply and demand

Supply and demand at Warlayirti Artists: How it is managed

Warlayirti Artists is a very successful community art centre which has been operating since 1987.  From its beginnings the organisation has grown significantly, especially in the last 3 years.  Senior artists at Warlayirti have developed strong painting careers over the last decade.  These artists include Eubena Nampitjin, Boxer Milner, Elizabeth Nyumi, Helicopter, Tjumpo Tjapanangka, Bai Bai Napangarti Sunfly, Kathleen Paddoon and Nancy Naninurra.  

No works of significant size by these senior artists are available for purchase on our website. This is because the current reality is that the demand for works by these senior artists considerably exceeds the supply.  A system of waiting lists has been created to manage this demand.

Warlayirti Artists is committed to maintaining an exhibition program which is important to the development of artists’ careers and to maintaining the profile of Warlayirti Artists.  In addition, we are committed to operating a successful retail business for the benefit of the artists and the sustainability of the Art and Culture Centres.  We recognise the importance of striking a balance between these two areas of demand.  The waiting lists system offers a fair and transparent way of managing these demands.

How the waiting lists work

Anyone can add their name to a waiting list for particular artists, whether you are a private individual, commercial gallery or public institution.  All you need to do is contact us via email or phone and provide us with your contact details including, phone number, email and postal address as well as the particular artist you are interested in and the size of the work you would like.  We will then complete a request form for you and place you on the relevant waiting list.  You will then receive a email confirming your placement on the waiting list.

Waiting times for works vary depending on the artist.  You could wait for between 6 months to 2 years for a work and Warlayirti staff are happy to give you an indication of the waiting times and where you are positioned on a specific list.

When you reach the top of a list, you are shown up to three different works as they become available (which may not be necessarily be at the same time), with the opportunity to purchase one work.  Payment for a chosen work must be received within seven days.

If you decline to purchase any of the three works offered your name will be returned to the bottom of the list should you wish to wait for another opportunity to purchase that artist’s work.

May 2005