All four awards recognise the artistic excellence and cultural leadership of Indigenous artists.
This year’s ceremony at Sydney Opera House saw Dr Ken Thaiday Snr and Lynette Narkle each win a Red Ochre Award for lifetime achievements, Teila Watson earn the Dreaming Award as an inspirational young artist and Lisa Maza receive a Fellowship providing two years of financial support to undertake a major creative project.
“I congratulate Ken and Lynette for the significant contribution they have made to the vibrancy of Australian arts,” said Australian Council Chair Rupert Myer AO. “Their artistic practice, storytelling and cultural knowledge sharing plays a vital role in maintaining the strength and visibility of our First Nations cultures, and is central to our national identity.
“The NIAA awards also recognise the achievements of the younger Indigenous artists and invest in developing their practice. I look forward with great anticipation to the work that Lisa and Teila will produce through the Fellowship and Dreaming Award.”
