Two Torres Strait Islander artists have been pre-selected to exhibit their artwork in this year’s 27th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.
From 321 entries, Ella Savage (Darnley Island) and George Nona (Badu Island) were among 96 artists pre-selected to display their work in this year’s exhibition, with a chance at winning the prestigious $40,000 Telstra Award.
The Telstra Art Award comprises the $40,000 Telstra Award and $4000 to other categories including; the Telstra General Painting Award, the Telstra Bark Painting Award, the Telstra Work on Paper Award and the Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award (also sponsored by Telstra) in addition to the Telstra New Media Award ($3,000).
Established in 1984 by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, the Award’s aim 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 27th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award exhibition opening coincides with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, with award presentations being made on Friday, 13 August, 2010.
