Australia’s most prestigious and longest-running award dedicated to Indigenous art and artists returns for its 33rd year. The 2016 winners will be announced on Friday 5 August at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), where the Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award finalists’ exhibition will be on show 6 August to 30 October.
From 244 entries, judges Vernon Ah Kee, Kimberley Moulton, and Don Whyte have nominated 75 artists. Luke Scholes, Curator of Aboriginal Art and Material Culture, says, “From what was an extremely competitive field, Vernon, Kimberley and Don have brought together a wonderfully eclectic assembly of finalists whose work will gather to create a spectacular exhibition.”
Founded in 1984 by MAGNT the award recognises and promotes the quality, diversity and contribution of Indigenous artists from around Australia. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the relationship between Telstra and MAGNT. Telstra CEO Andrew Penn says, “The Awards create a diverse network of artistic connection and provides a place where talented Indigenous artists from around the country come to be discovered and celebrated.”
Prize categories: Telstra Art Award $50,000, Telstra General Painting Award $5,000, Telstra Bark Painting Award $5,000, Telstra Work on Paper Award $5,000, Wandjuk Marika 3D Memorial Award $5,000 and the Telstra Youth Award $5,000.
Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory
6 August to 30 October, 2016
Northern Territory
Robert Fielding, Milkali Kutju, screenprint on fine art paper, edition of 5, 125 x 160 x 4cm
2015 winner of the Telstra Work on Paper for the 32nd Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Art Award
Courtesy the artist and Museum and Art Gallery
Northern Territory, Darwin
