The Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA), Australia's longest-running and most prestigious event for First Nations art, is now accepting entries.
Organised by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) in partnership with Telstra as the principal sponsor, the event stands as a testament to the diverse cultural expressions, artistic techniques, and innovations of Indigenous artists.
Since its establishment in 1984, NATSIAA has served as a celebration of the creativity of Indigenous people and their cultures.
Over the past four decades, NATSIAA has made an ongoing contribution to raising awareness and aiding the development and expansion of the Indigenous visual arts sector, leaving a positive impact.
The Awards encompass various categories, each highlighting the diversity and richness of artistic expression:
- Telstra Art Award | $100,000
- Telstra General Painting Award | $15,000
- Telstra Bark Painting Award | $15,000
- Telstra Work on Paper Award | $15,000
- Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award (Sponsored by Telstra) | $15,000
- Telstra Multimedia Award | $15,000
- Telstra Emerging Artist Award | $15,000
Today, NATSIAA holds a prominent spot in Australia's cultural calendar, known as the nation's longest-running competition in its category.
While it pays tribute to established artists, it also actively seeks to engage and exhibit emerging talents who are beginning their artistic journeys.
"Over 40 years ago, MAGNT established these Awards to celebrate the validity and cultural diversity of contemporary Indigenous artistic expression. Since then, Telstra NATSIAA has showcased over 4,000 works by artists belonging to language groups and communities from across the continent," MAGNT Director Adam Worrall said.
"I invite all emerging, mid-career and established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to submit their entries in the 2024 Telstra NATSIAA."
"So, become a part of NATSIAA history, and join us in celebrating and elevating the powerful voices and creative excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists."
The 2023 Telstra NATSIAA Exhibition runs until Sunday 18 February 2024
