Focus on the next generation as Indigenous Art Award expands prize pool

THE Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award will have a record prize pool this year, growing its national profile as a leading platform for contemporary First Nations art.

There is a $20,000 major award and new $3,000 youth award to help support the next generation of Indigenous artists.

Presented by Lismore Regional Gallery in partnership with Koori Mail Newspaper, the biennial award showcases ambitious new work from emerging and established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists across painting, photography, sculpture, weaving, ceramics, installation, moving image and digital practice.

This year’s Guest Judge, Dr Kimberley Moulton, a Yorta Yorta curator, is a writer, academic and senior curator of exhibitions at Melbourne’s RISING.

Acting director of Lismore Regional Gallery, Courtney Gibson, said the award has quickly established itself as a significant platform for Indigenous artistic expression.

“In just a few years, the Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award has established a strong national reputation, attracting artists whose work is shaping contemporary Australian culture,” she said.

“It’s exciting to see the award continue to grow in profile and impact.”
The 2024 award attracted a strong national field of finalists including Kylie Caldwell, Elisa Jane Carmichael, Karla

Dickens, Jenna Lee and Puuni Nungarrayi.

The major award was won by Penny Evans for her ceramic installation The Elephant, while Damien Shen received the Innovation Award for Entombed in Joy.

Koori Mail cultural lead Trevor Kapeen said the award reflects the publication’s longstanding commitment to championing Indigenous culture and creative excellence.

“The Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award provides an important opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and share contemporary Indigenous stories and perspectives with audiences around the country,” he said.

“For many artists, awards such as this offer not only recognition, but valuable opportunities for connection, visibility and career development.”

Winners will be announced at the official exhibition opening on 7 November.

Finalists will be exhibited at Lismore Regional Gallery from 7 November to 14 February.

Entries close at midnight, 6 September and can be made at lismoregallery.org