Media Release, Curator announced for 2026 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, Telstra NATSIAA, 5 March 2026
The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is proud to announce Dr Shannon Brett as curator of the 2026 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.
Telstra NATSIAA is presented on Larrakia Country (Darwin) and is Australia’s longest-running and most prestigious art awards celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. The Awards mark their 43rd year in 2026 and celebrate a 35-year-long partnership with Telstra.
With hundreds of entries from across Australia each year, the Awards attract and honour acclaimed artists and Elders, along with emerging artists and those making their debut.
Dr Brett is a proud Wakka Wakka, Butchulla, Gurang Gurang artist, curator, researcher and educator, currently based in Magandjin (Brisbane).
With an extensive curatorial practice spanning institutional, independent and community contexts, Dr Brett brings cultural knowledge and critical insight to the role.
Previously, they have held long-term and guest/independent curatorial appointments as Adjunct Curator Institute of Modern Art Brisbane, Curator Cairns Courthouse Gallery, Curator QUT Art Museum, Assistant Curator Museum of Brisbane, Assistant Curator at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and Curator KickArts Cairns. Shannon has also worked on major research and curatorial projects at the National Portrait Gallery and Griffith University Art Museum.
Quotes to be attributed Dr Shannon Brett, 2026 Telstra NATSIAA Curator
“I am extremely proud to join the team at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory this year as Curator of the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.
This appointment is without a doubt, my dream job.
I extend warm and grateful thanks to the Board and Staff of MAGNT for welcoming me into this role and for respecting my work in this space.
It is a great honour to celebrate this year’s cohort of artists on Larrakia Country, and to realise an unforgettable exhibition for the 43rd Telstra NATSIAA – one that fully acknowledges culture and community, at a time where stories of truth, love and sovereignty have never been more important”.
Quotes to be attributed to MAGNT Director Adam Worrall
“With entries closing last week, we are thrilled to have Shannon join us for the 2026 Telstra NATSIAA.”
Dr Brett is an accomplished curator and peer, whose experience will help shape the 43rd year of the Awards, which honour the diversity and excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
The MAGNT team are looking forward to supporting their vision for the 2026 exhibition.”
Exhibition opens | Saturday, 27 June 2026 | MAGNT
Awards Ceremony and Free Concert | Friday, 7 August | MAGNT Lawns
This event and ceremony will feature the official announcement of all award winners together with an outstanding array of live performances.
Principal Partners
MAGNT acknowledges Telstra as the Principal Sponsor of Telstra NATSIAA for the past 35 years. Their long-standing support has played a key role in growing national and international awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. The Awards are also supported by the Australian Government and Northern Territory Government through the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy.
More Information about the Telstra NATSIAA
- Telstra NATSIAA is Australia’s longest-running and most prestigious Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art award.
- The 2026 Telstra NATSIAA is a celebration of contemporary Indigenous
- Telstra NATSIAA has been a platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase their talents for over four decades.
- The Telstra NATSIAA exhibition will open on 27 June
- The Awards Ceremony will include the announcement of all 2026 Award winners on Friday, 7 August 2026.