Media Release, 2026 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards Finalists Announced, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, 15 May 2026
More than 60 exceptional artists have been named as finalists in the 2026 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (Telstra NATSIAA), highlighting the strength, diversity and innovation of contemporary Indigenous art across Australia.
Now in its 43rd year, Telstra NATSIAA continues to bring together artists from remote art centres to inner-city studios, with culture, storytelling and creative innovation converging to celebrate the very best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
The 64 compelling works, selected from 221 entries, reflect themes of intergenerational storytelling, the continuation of cultures, connections to Country and the enduring impacts of Australia’s colonial history on individuals and communities.
Presented by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) in partnership with Telstra, the awards remain a vital platform for nurturing and celebrating Indigenous artists, providing a national and international stage to showcase their work.
As Principal Sponsor for the past 35 years, Telstra has played a significant role in the growth and legacy of NATSIAA, supporting what is recognised as Australia’s longest-running and most prestigious Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art award.
This year we also mark 40 years of the Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award. This award commemorates Wandjuk Marika OBE (1927-1987), a Yolngu man, artist and leader.
The Awards have been curated, shortlisted and judged by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peers, Gail Mabo and Dean Greeno alongside 2026 Guest Curator Dr Shannon Brett and include emerging artists together with some of the most respected and established names in contemporary Indigenous art.
With categories from bark painting and sculpture to multimedia and works on paper, Telstra NATSIAA captures the diversity and innovation of Indigenous art. Artists from across the country share in a total prize pool of $190,000, including the prestigious $100,000 Telstra Art Award.
Telstra NATSIAA is supported by the Australian and Northern Territory Governments through the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy.
The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) will open the 2026 Telstra NATSIAA exhibition on 27 June 2026, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the finalist’s works ahead of the official announcement of winners.
The winners of the 2026 Telstra NATSIAA will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Friday, 7 August 2026.
The award categories are:
- 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 3D Memorial Award (sponsored by Telstra) – $15,000
- Telstra Emerging Artist Award – $15,000
- Telstra Multimedia Award – $15,000
The Telstra People’s Choice Award, is a non-monetary award, chosen by popular vote throughout the duration of the exhibition.
ATTRIBUTABLE QUOTES
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) Director Adam Worrall
“The Telstra NATSIAA remains Australia’s longest running and most prestigious Indigenous art award and we are honoured to present the 2026 exhibition featuring this year’s exceptional finalists.”
“This year’s selection highlights the remarkable breadth of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art practice, from emerging voices to highly regarded artists. We look forward to welcoming audiences from across Australia and around the world to experience these works in Darwin.”
2026 NATSIAA Guest Curator and Wakka Wakka, Butchulla, Gurang Gurang artist, photographer, designer, educator, researcher and curator Dr Shannon Brett.
“The wide range of materials, techniques and themes represented in this year’s exhibition are beautifully expressed through a superb range of significant works that share Indigenous perspectives from across Australia.”
“Across all career stages, First Nations artists are sharing stories through their creative practice, with language, culture and truth at the forefront.”
Telstra Representative – Lyndall Stoyles, Group Executive
“Telstra is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, now spanning 35 years. These Awards provide an essential platform to celebrate the diversity and innovation of First Nations art and culture.”
“We are continually inspired by the artists whose works reflect compelling stories of Country, community and identity. Supporting NATSIAA is part of our commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices and contributing to a vibrant and sustainable arts sector for future generations.”
About 2026 Telstra NATSIAA:
The Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards are presented annually by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, celebrating excellence and innovation in contemporary Indigenous art since 1984.
The 2026 Telstra NATSIAA marks 35 years of Telstra’s sponsorship of NATSIAAA. In 1992, then known as Telecom, they began their sponsorship of the First Prize Award. In 1993, the partnership grew into what it remains today, with Telstra as Principal Sponsor supporting all awards categories.
The 2026 Telstra NATSIAA marks 40 years of the Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award. This award commemorates Wandjuk Marika OBE (1927-1987), a Yolngu man, artist and leader. This was first awarded in 1987 after his passing that same year and was then known as the Memorial Award for Mawalan’s Eldest Son. This was in line with cultural protocols to not use his name in the years immediately following his passing. It became the Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award (sponsored by Telstra) in 1993 when Telstra became the sponsor for all Award categories.