The 22nd Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award

Regarded as a premier event in the national Indigenous art calendar, the 22nd Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award will open with the Award presentation ceremony at 6.30pm on Friday 12 August at the Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. The exhibition of 120 works will be on display until 23 October 2005.

The Award aims to showcase the best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art nationally and to promote a better appreciation of its cultural diversity. The Award, with over $50,000 in prizes, is one of the most lucrative art awards in Australia and reflects the national and international standing and importance of Indigenous art.

Telstra, as principal sponsor of the Award since 1992, recently announced its ongoing support for the Award amounting to a total of over $1 million over the next five years.

The 120 works on show were selected from a strong field of over 370 entries from Indigenous artists from all parts of Australia. This national survey exhibition reflects the vibrant nature of contemporary Indigenous art and presents exceptional works by both established and emerging Indigenous artists. The works cover a diverse range of themes, styles and media including paintings on bark, canvas and paper, prints, sculpture, fibre art, ceramics, glass, photography, digital media and video.

Exhibition dates: Opening 6.00pm, Friday 12 August. Showing until 23 October 2005
Venue: Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Admission: Free
Enquiries: 08 8999 8201 / 08 8999 8203
Email: natsiaa@nt.gov.au