Limited edition cushions from the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists

Where beauty meets impact: Koskela has collaborated with the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists for a new limited edition release of 12 one-off cushions.

Koskela’s design philosophy is based around nurturing meaningful connections – with the spaces where we live, with our diverse makers, and with the natural world around us. Our new limited edition release of 12 exclusive cushions from the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists celebrates those connections, showcasing the creativity, artistry and self-determination of the First Nations peoples of Australia.

The Yarrenyty Arltere Artists is an art centre enterprise in the heart of Mparntwe (Alice Springs). The centre was initially conceived as an art training program to address chronic social issues, and has since bloomed and developed into an art centre enterprise that has been instrumental in building a community of talented, culturally proud artists. 

Today the centre is a renowned not-for-profit Aboriginal owned and managed organisation with works held in major collections both Australia wide and internationally.

Artist and respected Elder, Dulcie Sharpe says: “The art makes us think of our culture in another way and what we want people to know. It’s good for everyone to have a place like this. It helps us be part of both worlds.”

Having first teamed up with the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists in 2021, we are excited to collaborate again on a new limited edition release of 12 cushions. No two cushions in the collection are the same – each is a unique one-off – offering buyers the opportunity to refresh their space with functional and affordable furnishings that double as artwork. 

The cushions form part of the artists ‘Blue and White project’, with the vibrant blue reflecting the artists’ experiments with cyanotype printing – an old photographic technique that uses the exposure of the sun to develop a print. Each cushion is finished with a beautiful soft tan leather backing and signature Koskela leather tag.

But the cushions don’t just look beautiful; each piece tells a story about the artists’ lives, community and Country, and reflects the resilience and resourcefulness of the world’s oldest living culture. 

The collaboration is an example of Koskela’s ongoing commitment to reconcile with our First Nations history and cultures. To date we have collaborated with 71 First Nations artists and art centre partners, generating over $1.4 million in income for our partners.

Koskela director Sasha Titchkosky is thrilled to be releasing these beautiful cushions and promoting the amazing artists of Yarrenyty Arltere.

“Koskela was founded on a vision of using design as a vessel for social change,” says Sasha. “So it is amazing to see collaborations like this one come to life. It brings us pride to know these cushions are supporting Indigenous artists while also looking beautiful in your home.”