71 finalists have been announced for the 2025 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards Telstra (NATSIAA), Australia’s longest running and most prestigious art awards of its kind, presented by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) and Principal Partner Telstra on Larrakia Country (Darwin).

Now in its 42nd year, the 2025 Telstra NATSIAA features Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across Australia, spotlighting works reflecting the continuation of cultures, responses to current affairs and unwavering connections to Country.

Telstra NATSIAA recognises the quality and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art throughout Australia and continues to grow appreciation and understanding of First Peoples arts and cultural practice.

The NATSIAA has been a career-changer for many of the finalists and award winners since its inception. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have shaped the Awards through their contributions as artists, curators, coordinators, selection panellists and judges.

Selected from 216 entries, all finalist works will be exhibited at MAGNT, Darwin, from the 21st of June 2025 until the 26th of January 2026 and are eligible to win one of the following award categories including the Telstra Art Award, Telstra General Painting Award, Telstra Bark Painting Award Telstra Work on Paper Award, Wandjuk Marika 3D Memorial Award (sponsored by Telstra), Telstra Emerging Artist Award and the Telstra Multimedia Award.

The Telstra People’s Choice Award, is a non-monetary award, chosen by popular vote. Members of the public can vote for their favourite work via a QR code for the duration of the exhibition.

MAGNT director Adam Worrall said the awards only provide a snapshot of the finest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art created in the past year.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art is a vital part of the social and cultural life of Australia. This year’s Telstra NATSIAA presents 71 exceptional works, selected from over 200 entries, providing a snapshot of the finest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art created in the past year,” he said.

“The continued support of Telstra is essential to ensuring these stories are seen, shared and celebrated.”

Group executive at Telstra Lyndall Stoyles shared her excitement surrounding the upcoming awards and First Nations talent it continues to celebrate.

“Telstra NATSIAA is the premier platform in Australia for emerging and established First Nations artists to showcase their culture and creative talents. Having been partners for 34 years, it is a privilege to celebrate their incredible talent and share their stories across Australia to help more of us appreciate First Nations art,” she said.

“I congratulate all the finalists, and we look forward to seeing the exhibition open in June on Larrakia Country.

This year the finalists, announced Wednesday, were selected by a panel consisting of Keith Munro, Karen Mills and Kate ten Buuren.

“The Selection Panel members are proud to have played this important role and we extend our deepest gratitude to all artists who submitted their artworks. It was a privilege to witness and discuss hundreds of masterful works that showcase the diverse and abundant creative practices from artists across the continent. We acknowledge all applicants for sharing their stories and art with us,” the panel said in a joint statement.

“We were excited to see artists collaborating with one another, experimenting with new mediums and technologies, and sharing stories of contemporary life and issues. We were blown away by the skill of emerging artists, and artists working on bark and paper.

“The selected works reflect the diverse practices and experiences of First Peoples today, exemplifying the richness of our stories, technical expertise and innovation in creative practice. We engaged in rigorous conversation, consideration and care when selecting the works, and we congratulate the 71 artists in this year’s Telstra NATSIAA.”

The 2025 Telstra NATSIAA exhibition will open on 21June at MAGNT Darwin, before the winners are announced at the awards ceremony on 8 August.

The 2025 Telstra NATSIAA awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 8 August 2025.