Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award

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National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award (NATSIAA)

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the NATSIAAs with Telstra remaining the principal sponsor of the Awards again in 2013. 

The Award was established in 1984 as the National Aboriginal Art Award by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. The aim of the Award is to recognise the important contribution made by Indigenous artists and to promote appreciation and understanding of the quality and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art from regional and urban based Indigenous artists throughout Australia, working in traditional and contemporary media. The Award is an important showcase for both established and emerging artists and has come to be regarded as one of the premier national events in the Australian Indigenous art calendar.

The Award attracts a range of Indigenous artists from all parts of the country and about 100 works are selected each year from around 300 entries. The diversity and style of work submitted each year reflects the changing face of contemporary Aboriginal art practice.

Telstra has sponsored the Award since 1992 and has continued to further enhance its profile and prestige. In 2000, Telstra doubled the First Prize money from $20 000 to $40 000. In 2006, the Telstra First Prize was re-named the Telstra Award.