Please join us to celebrate the opening and award announcement of the Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award 2026.
Presented by Lismore Regional Gallery in partnership with the Koori Mail Newspaper, this biennial award has quickly become a major national platform for contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, showcasing ambitious new work from emerging and established artists nationwide. This year’s Guest Judge is Dr Kimberley Moulton, a Yorta Yorta curator, writer and academic widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading contemporary curatorial voices.
All welcome, no bookings required.
2.30pm Welcome to Country
2.45pm Speeches and award announcement
3.30pm Live music
The Gallery is wheelchair accessible, and this event will be Auslan interpreted. If you would like to discuss your access needs, please email linsey.gosper@lismore.nsw.gov.au or call 02 6627 4606.
Major Award Finalists
Michelle Anderson, Kieron Anderson, Sonya Breckenridge, Luke Close, Ralph Close, Chris Curtis, Louise Daniels, Joe Dhamanydji, Jodie Dowd, Troy Firebrace, Margaret Rarru Garrawurra, Donna Gayford McLaren, Maddison Gibbs, Jodie Harris, Melinda Ingram, Clare Jaque Vasquez, Kieren Karritpul, Virginia Keft, Jaymi Lawrence, Tara Lloyd, Zali Morgan, Amber Morris, Kent Morris, Jodie Munday, Gail Naden, Ian Nicholas, Tracey Piccoli, Ross Potter, Brandi Salmon, Damien Shen, Kyle Slabb, Valerie Smith, Jasmin Stanford, Douglas Tamwoy, Anthony Walker and Jeremy Worrall.
Youth Award Finalists
Cameron Cooper, Keesia Close, Levi Roberts, Monique Vuong and Mayarr Yanner.
The 2026 award sees an expanded prize pool, including a $20,000 Major Award and a new $3,000 Youth Award (ages 18 to 25), underscoring the Award’s growing national profile and commitment to supporting the next generation of Indigenous artists. Hurfords Hardwood and the Friends of the Gallery proudly support the Award.
