Entries have opened for the 2027 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award, with more than $60,000 in prizes available to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal artists creating works in Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) and the Northern Peninsula Area.

Meriam (Erub/Mer) arts leader and curator Janina Harding will return as Principal Judge, bringing more than 30 years of experience across arts and cultural projects, arts management, public broadcasting and events.

Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson, George Nona, welcomed Ms Harding's experience and cultural connection to the region.

"We are proud to welcome Janina Harding to the Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award as our 2027 Principal Judge," Mr Nona said.

"Janina brings extensive experience in the First Nations arts sector, but importantly, she also brings her own cultural connection to Zenadth Kes.

"She understands the importance of creating professional opportunities for yumi artists and ensuring our stories, cultural knowledge and creative practice are recognised on our own terms."

Ms Harding served as Artistic Director of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair from 2015 to 2022 and currently leads the development of the Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair for Creative Victoria.

Her appointment follows 2025 Principal Judge Teho Ropeyarn, whose progression from entrant to judge demonstrated the pathways the award can create for local artists.

Mr Ropeyarn led the judging of 37 works submitted by emerging and established artists, including secondary school students.

Entries included printmaking, ghost net sculpture, photography, painting and craft.

Saibai artist and first-time entrant Conwell Nathan Tabuai won the 2025 award with Boegi (Walking Stick), selected from 37 works by First Nations artists across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area.

Crafted from red silky oak wood, the work honours Elders, with a koedal (crocodile) etched as its handle representing strength and status.

Principal Judge Teho Ropeyarn praised the work as a symbol of power, knowledge and status.

The award provides artists with experience preparing and exhibiting their work, with past entrants progressing into other roles within the arts industry.

Mr Nona highlighted the opportunities available beyond the prizes.

"The Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award is not only about winning a prize," he said.

"It gives our artists experience in preparing, submitting and exhibiting work through a professional awards process.

"We have seen artists enter this Award early in their careers and go on to exhibit, curate and lead within the Australian arts industry."

Established by the TSRA in 2008, the award supports the development and national exposure of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal artists from Zenadth Kes and the Northern Peninsula Area.

It has attracted interest from cultural institutions, artists and curators across Australia and overseas.

Artists at different stages of their careers are encouraged to enter, including young people exhibiting for the first time.

Mr Nona encouraged participation across the region.

"Our region has an extraordinary depth of artistic talent, from our established artists through to young people creating and exhibiting works for the first time," he said.

"We encourage artists across Zenadth Kes, Kaiwalagal region and the Northern Peninsula Area to start thinking about what they will bring to the 2027 Award."

The 2027 exhibition will again provide a platform for the region's artistic practice, encompassing traditional practices and new approaches.

Mr Nona looked ahead to the works artists would submit.

"Every Award gives us a new perspective of what our artists are creating across yumi region," he said.

"We look forward to seeing new innovative ideas, traditional practices, strong cultural stories and the next generation of artists come through in 2027."

All works exhibited in the award will be eligible to share in more than $60,000 in prizes and gift certificates, with the overall winner receiving $15,000.

Entry dates, eligibility, categories, prize details and submission requirements are available via the Gab Titui Cultural Centre website.