First Nations Arts and Culture Awards 2026

Creative Australia announced the recipients of the First Nations Arts and Culture Awards 2026 at a private ceremony held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. 

Among those honoured were singer-songwriter Stephen Pigram, celebrated artist Dr Bronwyn Bancroft, leading First Nations artist and activist Dr Djambawa Marawili AM, and champion curator, writer, and presenter Hetti Kemarre Perkins – all recognised with the prestigious Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Hayley Millar Baker received the Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts, while John Harvey was awarded Established Artist of the Year Award. Balya Productions was honoured with the First Nations Arts and Culture Business Innovation Award.

“These First Nations individuals and organisations represent the strength, depth and diversity of First Nations creative practices across the country,” Franchesca Cubillo, Executive Director First Nations Arts and Culture, said.

We take this moment to congratulate and celebrate these remarkable artists and thank them for leading the way for future generations.”

Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence
Dr Bronwyn Bancroft

Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence 
Stephen Pigram

Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cultural Advocacy and Leadership
Dr Djambawa Marawili AM

Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cultural Advocacy and Leadership
Hetti Kemarre Perkins

Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts
Hayley Millar Baker

Established Artist of the Year Award
John Harvey

First Nations Arts and Culture Business Innovation Award

Balya Productions

First Nations Arts and Culture Fellowship

Daen John Sansbury-Smith

First Nations Arts and Culture Fellowship
Maurial Spearim