MEDIA RELEASE
23 August 2006
For immediate release
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ART GOES ON SHOW
A central Australian has won the top prize at a national art award ceremony which recognizes the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Ngoia Napaltjarri Pollard claimed the coveted $40,000 (K90,000) 23rd Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award for her painting Swamps West of Nyirripi.
The winning entry and 81 other works are on display at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin until 22 October.
The award ceremony took place on Friday 11 August in the grounds of the Museum and Art Gallery. It is a major event in Darwin and attracts visitors and artists from all over Australia.
The aim of the Award is to recognise and promote the quality and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art throughout Australia.
It is an important showcase for both established and emerging artists and has come to be regarded as the premier national event in the Australian Indigenous art calendar.
The 2006 exhibition features 82 works in a wide range of themes, styles, and media including paintings on bark, canvas and paper, prints, sculpture, fibre art, ceramics, glass, photography, digital media and video.
Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Michael Potts, said: “Indigenous cultures are diverse and a vital part of Australia’s national identity.”
For further information on the award or the exhibition visit the website: www.nt.gov.au/natsiaa
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