First Nations Established Artist of the Year Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts

Creative Australia is inviting nominations for the 2027 First Nations Established Artist of the Year Award. Valued at $25,000 for one recipient, this Award recognises the achievement of one First Nations artist in community arts and cultural development, dance, experimental arts, literature, multi-arts, music, theatre and/or visual arts with twenty or more years of continued artistic practice.

They are seeking nominations from individuals, arts and community organisations. The recipient will be presented with the Award at the First Nations Arts and Culture Awards ceremony to be held on Thursday 27 May 2027.

This initiative is part of Creative Australia’s First Nations First industry development programs. The programs have been developed in response to extensive community consultation on priorities and needs of the sector in response to Pillar 1, First Nations First – Revive, the Australian Government’s shared vision for Australia: a place for every story and a story for every place.  These initiatives aim to elevate existing programs and deliver new funding that builds on a 50-year legacy of First Nations leadership and investment at Creative Australia.

About the First Nations Arts and Culture Awards

The Awards are held each year on 27 May the anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the opening of National Reconciliation Week, to honour First Nations excellence and the outstanding contributions of First Nations artists, arts workers and entrepreneurs to their practice, culture, and community.

The Awards are assessed by an independent panel of First Nations Industry Advisors, with the Red Ochre Awards determined by the Creative Australia’s First Nations Board.

The Award categories are:

• The prestigious Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence, to recognise the outstanding contribution of senior First Nations artists to their arts practice. Two recipients of the award will receive $60,000 each.
• The prestigious Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cultural Advocacy and Leadership, to recognise the outstanding contribution of senior First Nations arts leaders or arts and cultural workers. Two recipients of the award will receive $60,000 each.
• The Established Artist of the Year Award, to recognise outstanding achievement in artistic practice of established Australian First Nations artists. The recipient of this award will receive $25,000.
• The Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts, to recognise the achievement of Australian First Nations artists or arts workers between the age of 18 and 35. The recipient of this award will receive $25,000.
• The First Nations Arts and Culture Business Innovation Award, to recognise innovation and excellence in entrepreneurship among Australian First Nations small to medium arts and culture businesses and community organisations (including Art Centres) nationwide. The recipient of this award will receive $25,000.
• The First Nations Arts Fellowships, supporting the creation of major works by two artists.