Media Release: 2024 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards Finalists Announced, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, May 2024
For Immediate Release
72 finalists have been announced in this year’s 2024 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards Telstra (NATSIAA). The Telstra NATSIAA is Australia’s longest running and most prestigious art award of its kind, presented on Larrakia Country (Darwin) by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) and Principal Partner, Telstra.
Now in its 41st year, the 2024 Telstra NATSIAA features Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across the nation, sharing incredible works reflecting the strength of cultures, responses to current affairs and unerring connections to Country.
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards were established by MAGNT in 1984 to recognise and promote appreciation and understanding of the quality and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art throughout Australia. The Awards have been a career changer for many of the finalists and winners throughout its 40 years. This year we celebrate a 33 year long partnership with Telstra.
Selected from 238 entries, all finalists will be exhibited at MAGNT, Darwin, from 22 June 2024 until 27 January 2025 and are eligible to win one of the following categories:
- Telstra Art Award – $100,000
- Telstra General Painting Award – $15,000
- Telstra Bark Painting Award – $15,000
- Telstra Work on Paper Award – $15,000
- Telstra Multimedia Award – $15,000
- Wandjuk Marika 3D Memorial Award (sponsored by Telstra) – $15,000
- Telstra Emerging Artist Award – $15,000
Fast facts
31 finalists live in the Northern Territory, 11 in South Australia, 10 in Queensland, 13 in Western Australia, 3 in New South Wales, 2 in Tasmania and 2 artists in Victoria.
21 finalists are emerging artists in the first 5 years of their practice.
Quote from MAGNT Director, Adam Worrall
“We are honoured to announce the finalists for the 2024 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards. This year’s selection is especially significant for the strong representation of emerging artists and the diverse range of talent from across Australia.
With 21 finalists falling under the emerging artist category, the 41st Telstra NATSIAA highlights the vitality and innovation of the next generation of Aboriginal artists and continues the legacy of exhibiting emerging artists alongside well-known names.
The talent, strength of culture and new directions being explored by artists this year is astounding.”
The continued support of Telstra is essential to the delivery of these Awards. Telstra have supported the Awards as Principal Sponsor since 1992. This partnership has generated significant and positive impact on the awareness, development and growth of the Aboriginal visual arts sector with the Telstra NATISAA.
Quote from Group Executive at Telstra, Lyndall Stoyles
“Telstra NATSIAA offers an exciting national platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their culture and creative talents. Over the last four decades, the Awards have grown in status and significance, and it is a privilege to celebrate the incredible talent of the artists as well as help share their stories across Australia. I congratulate all the finalists and we look forward to seeing the exhibition open in June on Larrakia Country.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have shaped the Awards through their contributions as artists, curators, as coordinators, selection committee members and as judges.
The finalists were selected by a panel consisting of 2023 Telstra NATSIAA judges Kelli Cole, Director Curatorial and Engagement, National Aboriginal Art Gallery, Janina Harding, Creative Victoria Senior Project Manager, Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair and Rebekah Raymond, MAGNT Curator of Aboriginal Art and Material Culture.
Quote from the selection panel
“The Selection Panel extends heartfelt gratitude to all artists who submitted their work for consideration in the 2024 Telstra NATSIAA. Recognising the courage and generosity inherent in sharing one’s art, we want every artist to know their work was valued.
We feel privileged to select the finalists for the 2024 Telstra NATSIAA. The selected works embody the richness and complexity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, celebrating artistic innovation and storytelling from every corner of our continent.”
Telstra NATSIAA is a celebration of culture, artistic practice and connection to Country, presented by MAGNT and Principal Partner, Telstra on Larrakia Country.
2024 Telstra NATSIAA Key Dates
Exhibition period 22 June 2024 – 27 January 2025
Awards Ceremony Friday 9 August 2024 – Announcing the winners.
For more information please visit: www.magnt.net.au
Available to Interview
Adam Worrall | MAGNT Director
Rebekah Raymond | MAGNT Curator of Aboriginal Art and Material Culture
Media Contact
Nicole Ogilvie | MAGNT Communications | [email protected] | 0415 135 503
Gabrielle Wilson | The Press Society | [email protected] 0433 972 915
Finalists by residence
NSW
Delma Praljak-Trindall Kamilaroi language
Stacey Louise Hampton Gamilaraay language
Thea Anamara Perkins Arrernte and Kalkadoon languages
NT
Aileen Napaljarri Long Warlpiri language
Alfonso Puautjimi Tiwi language
Artists of Ampilatwatja Alyawarre and Kaytetye languages
Billy Tjampitjinpa Kenda Luritja and Pitjantjatjara languages
Bobby West Tjupurrula Pintupi and Luritja languages
Bulthirrirri Wunuŋmurra Yolŋu Matha language
Burŋanydji Gaykamaŋu Yolŋu Matha language
Carol Puruntatameri Tiwi language
Charles Jangala Inkamala Arrernte and Western Arrernte languages
Conrad Tipungwuti Kamilowra Tiwi language
Dhukumul Waṉambi Dhuwal language
Gaypalani Waṉambi Yolŋu Matha language
Grace Kemarre Robinya Anmatyerr and West Arrernte languages
Helen Ganalmirriwuy Garrawurra Dhuwala language
Joe Dhamanydji Gupapuyngu and Dhuwal languages
Joe Guymala Kunwinjku language
Johnathon World Peace Bush Tiwi language
Julieanne Gitjpulu Malibirr Ganalbingu language
Louisa Kngwarray Long Alyawarr and Anmatyerr languages
Lucy Yarawanga Gurrgoni language
Marcus ‘Double O’ Camphoo Kemarre Kaytetye and Alyawarr languages
Milminyina Dhamarrandji Yolŋu Matha language
Motorbike Paddy Ngal Anmatyerr language
Nancy Long Nungarrayi and Rene Long Nungarrayi Kaytetye and Warlpiri languages
Obed Namirrkki Kuninjku language
Russell Ngadiyali Wanapuyngu Wagilak language
Sally M Nangala Mulda Luritja, Arrernte and Pitjantjatjara languages
Steven Jupurrurla Nelson Warlpiri language
Wally Wilfred Wagilak language
Wayilkpa Maymuru Yolŋu Matha language
Wurrandan Marawili Yolŋu Matha language
QLD
Bernard Lee Singleton Umpila and Djabugay/Yirrgay languages
Brian Robinson Kala Lagaw Ya and Wuthathi languages
Clare Jaque Vasquez Gomeroi and Kamilaroi languages
David Bosun Kala Lagaw Ya language
Dylan Sarra Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang languages
Garry Namponan Wik-Alkan and Wik-Mungkan languages
Janet Fieldhouse Kalaw Lagaw Ya and Meriam Mir languages
Janet Koongotema Wik-Mungkan language
Karen Klimm-Richardson Kuku Yulanji and Kokolamalama languages
Shannon Brett Wakka Wakka, Butchulla and Gooreng Gooreng languages
SA
Betty Campbell Pitjantjatjara language
Betty Muffler Pitjantjatjara language
Donna Coulthard Adnyamathanha and Kuyani languages
Frank Young Pitjantjatjara language
George Cooley Yankunytjatjara language
Iluwanti Ken Pitjantjatjara language
Josina Pumani Pitjantjatjara language
LeShaye Swan Arrernte and Warlpiri languages
Mardawi Lakun (Sister Weavers) Ngarrindjeri language
Muna Kulyuru Pitjantjatjara language
Rene Sundown Yankunytjatjara language
TAS
Dean Greeno Palawa kani language
Louise Daniels Palawa language
WA
Allery Sandy Yindjibarndi language
Brett Nannup Noongar language
Bugai Whyoulter Kartujarra language
Doreen Chapman Manyjilyjarra language
Helicopter (Joe Tjungurrayi) Kukatja and Manyjilyjarra languages
Lydia Balbal Mangala language
Madeline Purdie Gija language
Nagula Jarndu Artists Jabirr-Jabirr, Kija/Gooniyandi, Mayala, Noongar, Noongar/Torres Strait Islander, Walmajarri, Yawuru, Yawuru-Bardi Jawi, Yawuru/Karajarri languages
Melissa Sandy Yindjibarndi language
Mervyn Street Gooniyandi language
Natalie Davey Walmajarri and Bunuba languages
Noli Rictor Pitjantjatjara language
Tyrown Waigana Wandandi, Noongar and Ait Koedal languages
VIC
Clinton Naina Meriam Mir and Ku Ku languages
Lisa Waup Gunditjmara language
