2024 Telstra NATSIAA finalists announced

Celebrating the breadth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) are the longest-standing awards of its kind, presented on Larrakia Country (Darwin) by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) and Principal Partner, Telstra. The Awards have been a career changer for many finalists and winners throughout its forty years.

2023 Telstra NATSIAA Winner: Keith Wikmunea, Ku’, Theewith & Kalampang The White Cockatoo, Galah and the wandering Dog, 2003. Photograph: Mark Sherwood

Now in its forty-first year, the Telstra NATSIAA continues to be a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and cultural expression of its artists, sharing incredible works reflecting the strength of cultures, responses to current affairs and unerring connections to Country.

Selected from 238 entries, seventy-two finalists have been announced. Thirty-one finalists live in the Northern Territory, eleven in South Australia, ten in Queensland, thirteen in Western Australia, three in New South Wales, two in Tasmania, and two artists in Victoria. Twenty-one finalists are emerging artists in the first five years of their practice.

Their works will be exhibited at MAGNT, Darwin, from 22 June 2024 to 27 January 2025. All are eligible to win one of the following categories:

Telstra Art Award – $100,000

Telstra General Painting Award – $15,000

Telstra Bark Painting Award – $15,000

Telstra Work on Paper Award – $15,000

Telstra Multimedia Award – $15,000

Wandjuk Marika 3D Memorial Award (sponsored by Telstra) – $15,000

Telstra Emerging Artist Award – $15,000

“With 21 finalists falling under the emerging artist category, the 41st Telstra NATSIAA highlights the vitality and innovation of the next generation of Aboriginal artists and continues the legacy of exhibiting emerging artists alongside well-known names. The talent, strength of culture and new directions being explored by artists this year is astounding.” – MAGNT Director, Adam Worrall

The finalists were selected by a judging panel consisting of Kelli Cole, Director Curatorial and Engagement, National Aboriginal Art Gallery, Janina Harding, Creative Victoria Senior Project Manager, Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair and Rebekah Raymond, MAGNT Curator of Aboriginal Art and Material Culture. The judges commented:

“Recognising the courage and generosity inherent in sharing one’s art, we want every artist to know their work was valued. We feel privileged to select the finalists for the 2024 Telstra NATSIAA.

“The selected works embody the richness and complexity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, celebrating artistic innovation and storytelling from every corner of our continent.”

2023 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, installation view, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin. Photograph: Mark Sherwood

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