The Australian talks to Apolline Kohen about the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards:

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory acting director Apolline Kohen told The Australian she had already started discussing changes to the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards in the wake of this year’s furore.

She confirmed that 14 works from seven remote art centres had been pulled from the awards following concerns about other entrants. “It is sad at some level not to have those works, but it doesn’t affect the overall quality of the awards,” Ms Kohen said.

“I do regret that some art centres won’t be able to showcase their artists and to enjoy the exposure and the kudos and the potential winnings. I regret that, but we respect their decision.”