Created as a new category within the Creative Australia First Nations Arts and Culture Awards, the Rhoda Roberts Trailblazer Award has been established in a tribute to the late Rhoda Roberts AO.
Celebrated as one of Australia's most influential First Nations cultural leaders, broadcasters, festival directors and arts advocates, Ms Roberts was a widely respected figure in the arts and beyond.
Set to be presented for the first time in 2027, the award honours her legacy, leadership and transformational contribution.
Throughout her career, Ms Roberts demonstrated courage, cultural authority, innovation and an extraordinary ability to create new opportunities for First Nations artists and communities.
Her influence extended beyond artistic achievement and advocacy through her work creating pathways for others, fostering innovation, leading major cultural events and festivals, and building national and international connections that strengthened the visibility and impact of First Nations arts and culture.
The Rhoda Roberts Trailblazer Award recognises a First Nations leader whose visionary work, innovation and influence have transformed the arts and cultural sector through pioneering approaches and the creation of new opportunities for others.
It celebrates individuals whose leadership has opened doors, expanded opportunities and driven lasting change for First Nations artists, cultural practitioners and communities.
The award seeks to recognise individuals whose impact extends beyond their own artistic achievements or advocacy efforts and whose work has made a significant contribution to the development and growth of the sector. This may include creating new pathways and opportunities, leading innovative initiatives, working across multiple artforms and disciplines, building cultural and industry connections, and expanding opportunities for First Nations artists nationally and internationally.
In recognition of Ms Roberts' legacy, the award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated visionary leadership and whose contribution has left a lasting impact and effected substantial change across the First Nations arts and cultural landscape, creating opportunities and possibilities (that didn't exist prior) for future generations.
Nominees are eligible for this award if they identify as an Australian First Nations (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) individual, are 18 years+ at the time of being nominated, have worked across the First Nations arts and culture sector for 25 years + as an established and highly regarded artist or arts and culture worker/industry expert in any art form and are based in Australia.
The Rhoda Roberts Trailblazer Award has been established in consultation with and acknowledgement of Rhoda's family, honouring her extraordinary legacy and enduring contribution to First Nations arts and culture.
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