The 13th Koorie Art Show 2025

Event status:: Closed
Dates:: 6 December 2025 - 22 February 2026
Admission:: Free
Location:: Birrarung Building, Fed Square
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The Koorie Heritage Trust is proud to present the 13th Koorie Art Show — a vibrant annual celebration of the talent, creativity and cultural strength of First Peoples artists across Victoria. This open-entry, non-acquisitive award exhibition showcases the extraordinary work of Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists aged 17 years and over, offering a powerful snapshot of contemporary First Peoples art and storytelling.

Alongside this flagship exhibition, we are delighted to present the 8th Koorie Art Show Young Mob, celebrating the emerging talent of our young creatives aged 5 to 16 years. Young Mob celebrates imagination, identity and cultural pride through the eyes of the next generation.

Together, these exhibitions honour the artistic excellence of First Peoples artists of all ages — from budding young makers to established practitioners.

Experience the diversity, innovation and cultural strength of our community.

The Koorie Art Show is proudly supported by Creative Victoria, City of Melbourne, the Australian Government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program, the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, RMIT University, Lendlease, Viva Energy Australia, ANZ Bank and Fed Square.

“In judging the 13th Koorie Art Show Awards for 2025, we were all struck by the diversity of art and cultural belongings wonderfully presented in the KHT’s two gallery spaces. The Koorie Art Show is continuing to grow and create a platform for culture and community, that is a highlight of the art calendar, representing a window into our history as First Peoples that reside in South East Australia. It is also welcoming of many other nations and clan members that reside here.
Special mention is given to the Young Mob artists. These awards were also very difficult to judge, with so many special works present. The Judges wish to thank the KHT staff and congratulate the amazing artists presenting their works of such a high standard.”

13th Koorie Art Show Judges’ Combined Statement

AWARD WINNERS

Koorie Heritage Trust Award for Excellence in Any Media – Deanne Gilson (Wadawurrung), Porronggitj gupma Ngaramilli baa Bunyia Beenyak under Barri-morrgal – The Brolga Dancing by the Eel Trap, Under the Moon 2025. Synthetic polymer paint, charcoal, 23 karat gold, copper leaf, canvas.
Viva Energy Australia 3D Award – Tammy Gilson (Wadawurrung), Waima – to carry 2025. Sterling silver, jewel beetle wings.
RMIT University Emerging Artist Award – Alena Landers (Djugun), Made, Unmade, Remade 2025. Handmade paper with dried flowers, leaves and seeds.
Lendlease Reconciliation Award – Madi Mercer (Wadawurrung), How I See You: Kunuwarra & Swan 2025. Raffia.
City of Melbourne Aboriginal Melbourne Award – Chloe Jones (Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba), That’s Not Yours 2025. Synthetic polymer paint, river clay and glass beads on canvas.
Koorie Heritage Trust Highly Commended Award – Richard Young (Gunditjmarra / Gunnai – Multi Clan), Lake Condah 2024. Synthetic polymer paint on canvas.
Fed Square People’s Choice Award – Craig Ivory (Palawan), Mosiac Moietes 2025. Synthetic polymer paint, gel medium, luminescent paint, wood, paper, canvas.