The Haasts Bluff community takes its name from the nearby outcrop, given this name in 1872 by the explorer Ernest Giles, after the German-born New Zealand geologist, Julius von Haast.[2]
The term "Finke River Mission" was initially an alternative name for the Hermannsburg Mission, but this name was later often used to include the settlements at Haasts Bluff, Areyonga and, later, Papunya. It now refers to all Lutheran missionary activity in Central Australia since the first mission was established at Hermannsburg in 1877.[4][5][6]
The centre was incorporated as Ikuntji Artists Aboriginal Corporation in 2005, and many of the artists' works are now represented in national and international collections.[12] Around 100 local artists are represented by the centre.[15]
Singer Jessica Mauboy, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, and Australian comedian Celeste Barber have worn clothing featuring design by Ikuntji, and Ikuntji art has been displayed in Europe. In September 2022, artists Keturah Zimran and Roseranna Larry travelled to Paris, France, where their designs were being showcased in fashion shows.[15]
^Johnson, Vivien (2008). Lives of the Papunya Tula Artists. Alice Springs, NT: IAD Press. pp. 316–318. ISBN978-1-86465-090-7.
^Birnberg, Margo; Janusz Kreczmanski (2004). Aboriginal Artist Dictionary of Biographies: Australian Western, Central Desert and Kimberley Region. Marleston, South Australia: J.B. Publishing. pp. 213–214. ISBN1-876622-47-4.
^"Profile". cooeeart.com.au. Cooee Art. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
^"Turkey Tolson Tjupurrula". Papunya Painting: out of the Australian desert. National Museum of Australia. Retrieved 3 September 2010.
^"About". Ikuntji Artists. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
^ ab"Ikuntji Artists". Visit the Northern Territory. 9 June 2021. Retrieved 12 September 2021.