The 2024 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) have unveiled their lineup of 72 finalists. Renowned as Australia’s most esteemed art accolade of its kind, the Telstra NATSIAA is presented on Larrakia Country (Darwin) by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), in collaboration with Principal Partner, Telstra.
Marking its 41st year, this edition of the Telstra NATSIAA showcases the talent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across the nation. Their extraordinary works reflect the resilience of cultures, responses to contemporary issues, and profound connections to Country.
“We are honoured to announce the finalists for the 2024 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards. This year’s selection is especially significant for the strong representation of emerging artists and the diverse range of talent from across Australia,” MAGNT Director, Adam Worrall.
“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.”
“The continued support of Telstra is essential to the delivery of these Awards. Telstra have supported the Awards as Principal Sponsor since 1992. This partnership has generated significant and positive impact on the awareness, development and growth of the Aboriginal visual arts sector with the Telstra NATISAA.“
Chosen from a pool of 238 entries, all finalists will have their works exhibited at MAGNT, Darwin, from June 22, 2024, to January 27, 2025. They stand a chance to win prestigious awards across various categories, including the coveted Telstra Art Award with a prize of $100,000.
The categories include:
- 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
Some fast facts about the finalists:
- 31 finalists reside in the Northern Territory, with 11 in South Australia, 10 in Queensland, 13 in Western Australia, 3 in New South Wales, 2 in Tasmania, and 2 in Victoria.
- 21 of the finalists are emerging artists within the first 5 years of their practice.
Established by MAGNT in 1984, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards aim to celebrate and foster appreciation for the richness and diversity of Indigenous art throughout Australia. Over its 40-year history, the Awards have been instrumental in propelling the careers of many finalists and winners. This year also commemorates a remarkable 33-year partnership with Telstra.
“Telstra NATSIAA offers an exciting national platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their culture and creative talents. Over the last four decades, the Awards have grown in status and significance, and it is a privilege to celebrate the incredible talent of the artists as well as help share their stories across Australia. I congratulate all the finalists and we look forward to seeing the exhibition open in June on Larrakia Country,” Group Executive at Telstra, Lyndall Stoyles said.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have shaped the Awards through their contributions as artists, curators, as coordinators, selection committee members and as judges.
“The finalists were selected by a panel consisting of 2023 Telstra NATSIAA judges 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.”
2024 Telstra NATSIAA Key Dates
Exhibition period 22 June 2024 – 27 January 2025
Awards Ceremony Friday 9 August 2024 – Announcing the winners.
For more information, click here.
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