Attended by an intimate crowd of VIPs, the awards acknowledge leading achievements within the Indigenous arts community. This year the Council presented David Gulpilil OAM the Red Ochre Award, along with $50,000 in prize money. This is the highest honour that can be bestowed and recognises his life-time achievements in art, acting and dance.
Mr Gulpilil joins previous Red Ochre recipients such as Archie Roach, Michael Leslie, Doris Pilkington Garimara and Jimmy Little.
Also presented on the night was the $20,000 Dreaming Award for an emerging Indigenous artist. The Dreaming Award was given to Rhonda Dick, a South Australian photographer. Two fellowships of $45,000 per year over two years were awarded to visual artist, Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello, and writer, activist, musician Richard Franklin.
“These awards and fellowships are a significant recognition of the unique and important work of each of the recipients,” said Lee-Ann Buckskin, Chair of the Australia Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board.
The night was aired via NITV,which had recently become part of the SBS service. With strong and growing support for the Indigenous Arts now coming from mainstream outlets the ceremonial night is expected to go from strength to strength.
Congratulations to all nominees and winners.
