“As judges for this year’s Koorie Art Awards we were deeply moved by the breadth and rigour of the artworks in the exhibition. The vast array of works; diverse in mediums, artists’ interests and stories, celebrate the rich and unique identities of Peoples in Victoria. We feel privileged to share in the knowledges and storytelling of so many talented artists, and admire the technical mastery, creative exploration and cultural expression present in each and every one of the works.

We were drawn to works that were not only poignant and reflective of the complex social, political, and cultural landscapes of today but also embodied powerful truth-telling—speaking to overcoming, survival, and hope. We enjoyed explorations of humour, assertions of sovereignty, and were empowered by the irrepressible spirit exuding from our Elders and senior artists. The Kids and Young People Awards were equally impressive, and we were moved by the skill, storytelling and experimentation of different mediums from young ones. It was encouraging to see the joyful expressions of identity and creativity through these works.

It has been a privilege to witness and honour the immense talent and stories of the artists in this year’s Awards. Choosing the award recipients was no easy task, as every work stood as a testament to the spirit, resilience, creativity, connections and cultural pride of our community, and we congratulate everyone who entered a work and shares in the uplifting opportunity that the Koorie Art Show is.”

Koorie Art Show 12 Judges’ Statement

KHT is proud to present the Koorie Art Show 12, a vibrant celebration of the diverse talent of First Peoples artists in Victoria. This annual, open-entry, non-acquisitive award exhibition highlights the creativity of Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists aged 17 years and above.

In addition, we are thrilled to showcase the next generation of talent with the Koorie Art Show Young Mob 7, featuring the artistic expressions of our young mob aged 5 to 16 years.

Both exhibitions celebrate the incredible creativity, culture, and stories of our community. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the artistic brilliance of First Peoples artists of all ages!

Award Winners

• Creative Victoria Award for Excellence in Any Media: Richard Young (Gunditjmara, Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Boon Wurrung), ‘Gunditjmarra Marking’, 2024, synthetic polymer paint on canvas.
• Viva Energy Australia 3D Award: Sean Miller (Gamilaroi), ‘Birrubirruu’, 2024, ceramic.
• Viva Energy Australia and ComfortDelGro Australia Award: Lyn Thorpe (Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wemba, Wurundjeri), ‘Dhamala Woka – Grandfather Country [Yorta Yorta Language]’, 2024, charcoal, ink and ochre on canvas.
• City of Melbourne Aboriginal Melbourne Award: Josh Deane (Palawa), ‘Nelson Baker’, 2024, synthetic polymer paint on board.
• Lendlease Reconciliation Award: Steven Rhall (Taungurung), ‘‘Better Call Rhall’ artist services’, 2024, digital video, sound.
• RMIT University Emerging Artist Award: Fiona Burns (Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri), ‘Aboriginal flag eel net’, 2023 – 2024, natural and dyed raffia.
• Josh Muir Digital Art Award: Sarah Cvk (Wiradjuri), ‘Did you forget? The trees have bark!’ 2024, digital print on canvas.
• KHT Encouragement Award: Lucinda Johnson-Cornes (Pitjantjatjara), ‘We know we must move’, 2024, hand-dyed linen with cotton thread.

The Fed Square’s People’s Choice Award is announced at the end of the show, visitors can vote for the winner in the gallery or online.

Exhibition store

All artworks in the Koorie Art Show 12 are available for sale. Click the tile below to access the online exhibition art store.

Exhibition Room Guide

Click the tile below to access the exhibition room guide.

The Judging Panel

We acknowledge the Koorie Art Show 12 judging panel:

• Belinda Briggs (Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba)
• Jefa Greenaway (Wailwan, Kamilaroi and D’harawal) and
• Kate Ten Buuren (Taungurung)

The KAS Judging Criteria can be found HERE.

Koorie Art Show Young Mob 7

KHT is also proud to present the Koorie Art Show Young Mob 7 exhibition and Awards.  Discovering emerging talent from young artists (5-16 years) each present an array of engaging and thought-provoking work. Please visit the Koorie Art Show Young Mob 7 webpage for details.