28 Australian Geographic
THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: KEN DUNCANA
S ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S
greatest landscape photogra-
phers, Ken Duncan has an
incredible ability to ‘see’ – while
observing the chaos and disorder of
our world, he can distinguish perfectly
framed images, glorious symmetry and
simple patterns.
But when Ken looks at the rugged
terracotta hills and jagged peaks of
Haasts Bluff, and its 200-strong
community of Ikuntji, he sees a vision
of its future – one in which its isolated
residents are given every opportunity
to use modern technology to develop
skills and employment in music,
Renowned photographer Ken Duncan aims to
impart the secrets of his art to the Aboriginal
children of Haasts Bluff, in Central Australia.
walk a while foundation
Talent show
photography and cinematography.
In his vision, a thriving creative
arts and technology centre will be
established at Ikuntji, 230km west
of Alice Springs. It will become a
cross-cultural hub where Aboriginal
and non-Aboriginal people alike will
exchange creative ideas and ‘walk a
while’ with each other.
In 2012 Ken set up a charitable
foundation called Walk a While,
which has been working to bring this
vision to fruition. “I’ve been involved
with the community at Haasts Bluff
for about 14 years,” Ken says. “My
mum and dad were missionaries up inthe Kimberley and I grew up with a
lot of indigenous people. When I
became a landscape photographer,
they really helped me learn how to
‘see’ and to feel the land.”
After working with other charities,
Ken felt the need to contribute
something positive to an Aboriginal
community. “I was doing work for
World Vision and I kept saying to
them, ‘Listen, our Australian
indigenous people need as much
help as people overseas.’”
Ken began doing photographic
and cinematic workshops at Ikuntji,
giving young people access to camera
equipment and computer technology,
and found many had abundant natural
talent. Although he visited year after
year, he became aware that the
community didn’t have ongoing access
to such equipment, which meant the
sessions had little lasting impact.
“These kids do not have access
to the technology we take for granted,”
he says. “It needs to be ongoing. We
want to set up a permanent presence
out there – set up a building.”
Technology companies would loan
or donate gear, and through such a
centre, jobs would be created.