MAGNT announces Juanella Donovan as

Telstra NATSIAA People’s Choice Winner Announced, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, February 2026

Juanella Donovan (nee McKenzie), a finalist in the Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award (sponsored by Telstra) at the 2025 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA), has been named the 2025 People’s Choice Award winner.

With a record 4100 votes cast, Juanella received more than 470 votes for her work, which weaves ancient techniques, cultural stories; and a deep connection to Country and family.

The multidisciplinary artist and mother of four is a strong leader for cultural arts practice in her community and surrounds. Juanella uses her practice to preserve and share the knowledge passed down, keeping culture strong for future generations.

“I am beyond honoured to receive this award amongst so many other amazing finalists,” Juanella said. “I would like to thank all of those who have supported me and taken the time to vote.”

Juanella Donovan nee McKenzie, Desert Flower 2025, raffia, emu feathers, coral batwing seeds and waxed hemp thread, 74 x 74 x 3.5cm. Courtesy of the artist. Image Alana Holmberg.

Juanella is a proud Adnyamathanha, Luritja and Lower Southern Arrernte woman living and working on beautiful Barngarla Country in Port Augusta.

“NATSIAA is really significant because it plays a role in showcasing our stories, elevating our voices, helping in that cultural continuation and preserving the cultural practice through arts,” Juanella said.

“I think it’s important for mob to enter the NATSIAA. It doesn’t matter what practice it is; it could be multimedia, or it could be woven like mine. It’s a wonderful experience and it can also lead to other amazing opportunities.”

Proudly presented by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) and principal partner Telstra for over 40 years, Telstra NATSIAA are the longest-running and most prestigious art awards for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

MAGNT Director Adam Worrall congratulated Juanella on her achievement.

“Juanella is a very worthy winner of the People’s Choice Award for her visually stunning piece that has resonated with Telstra NATSIAA audiences locally, nationally and internationally,” he said.

A multidisciplinary artist and mother of four, Juanella uses her practice to preserve and share knowledge passed down by Elders keeping culture strong for future generations. She visited MAGNT recently to give an Artist Talk.

“Her weaving is inextricably linked to her family, Country and the continuation of culture for future generations. The detail and story behind the work were never more apparent than when Juanella travelled to Darwin with her youngest children to share her story with audiences through an Artist Talk. Thank you for sharing your story; Juanella and congratulations.”

Audiences were invited to vote while visiting the exhibition onsite or via the Telstra NATSIAA virtual gallery, which features 71 finalists from across the continent.

MAGNT was pleased to welcome more than 140,000 visitors to Telstra NATSIAA over the course of the exhibition.

Telstra NATSIAA awards a total of $190,000 across seven categories, with the Telstra Art Award of $100,000 awarded to the work considered by the judges to be the most outstanding work across all categories.

For more information, please visit www.natsiaa.com.au.

ENDS

Caption: Juanella Donovan nee McKenzie.

Caption:

Caption (artwork): Juanella Donovan nee McKenzie, Desert Flower 2025, raffia, emu feathers, coral batwing seeds and waxed hemp thread, 74 x 74 x 3.5cm. Courtesy of the artist. Image Alana Holmberg