13th Koorie Art Show – WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Deanne Gilson (Wadawurrung) has just been announced as the winner of the Koorie Heritage Trust Award for Excellence in Any Media for her astonishing work, Porronggitj gupma Ngaramilli baa Bunyia Beenyak under Barri-morrgal – The Brolga Dancing by the Eel Trap, Under the Moon, 2025. 

In her artist statement, Deanne says, “Porronggitj, or the Brolga as it is known by in English language, plays an important role in Wadawurrung Songlines for its graceful dancing under the moon. Today, our women perform a dance that calls back the Brolga after it was scared off during the first stages of settlement through mining and people moving into what is now known as the Goldfields of Ballarat. A sensitive bird that our women resonate with as a life force for calm and peace. When the water is altered or dries up, the Brolga leaves and is only just returning now. Pictured next to Yaramlok Yaluk (Yarrowee river) that has a traditional woven eel trap (Buniya Beenyak) nestled in amongst the rocks and other water birds of Wadawurrung Dja (Country).”

KHT is also delighted to announce the five additional Award winners, each received a cash prize from a total pool of $30,000, spread across the categories as outlined below: 3D Award (sponsored by Viva Energy Australia)

Tammy Gilson (Wadawurrung) for her work Waima – to carry, 2025

Emerging Artist Award (sponsored by RMIT)

Alena Landers (Djugun) – Made, Unmade, Remade, 2025

Reconciliation Award (sponsored by Lendlease)

Madi Mercer (Wadawurrung) – How I See You: Kunuwarra & Swan, 2025

Aboriginal Melbourne Award (sponsored by City of Melbourne)

Chloe Jones (Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba) – That’s not yours, 2025

Encouragement Award (sponsored by KHT)

Richard Young, (Gunditjmarra / Gunnai – Multi Clan) – Lake Condah, 2024

This year’s judging panel for both the 13^th Koorie Art Show and 8^th Koorie Art Show Young Mob comprises: Aunty Glenda Eccles (Wadawurrung), Aunty Patsy Smith (Taungurung) and Dr Christian Thompson AO (Bidjara).

‘’The diversity of artwork mediums and clans represented was very compelling, and it was truly wonderful to see traditions clearly passed down through the generations. There was a clear overarching message

contained in the works – Culture is Country and of Country. The crucial nature of waterways, as well as imagery and symbolism of Country, welcomed us into the gallery spaces,’’ said the judging panel.

“Congratulations to all our award recipients,” said Tom Mosby, Koorie Heritage Trust CEO. “This year’s works are rich, considered and deeply connected to culture, Country and kin.”

The 13th Koorie Art Show features more than 120 works – including 55 first-time entrants – highlighting the vitality and ongoing evolution of contemporary First Peoples art in Victoria. This year’s exhibition includes 35 three-dimensional works (with 10 woven pieces), over 100 two-dimensional artworks spanning painting, drawing and photography, and 2 video works.

An open-entry, non-acquisitive award exhibition, the Koorie Art Show invites emerging, mid-career and established First Peoples artists, designers and craftspeople to share their voices, stories and perspectives. From digital illustration and printmaking to textiles, ceramics and painting, the exhibition offers a compelling snapshot of the diversity, innovation and cultural strength shaping First Peoples creative practice in Victoria today.

The Koorie Art Show is the only exhibition in Victoria dedicated exclusively to showcasing the work of Koorie and Victorian-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

KHT is also proud to present the 8^th Koorie Art Show Young Mob exhibition and Awards. A record 38 aspiring artists aged 5–16 have entered this year, each eligible for a range of art-store voucher prizes. Their works reveal emerging talent and present a vibrant array of engaging, thoughtful creative expressions.

This year’s Koorie Art Show also marks a significant milestone for KHT: 40 years since the organisation’s founding in 1985 and 10 years in its Birrarung Building home at Fed Square. Together, these anniversaries celebrate four decades of cultural leadership, community connection and the continual growth of First Peoples art in Victoria.

The Koorie Art Show continues KHTs commitment to incubating, nurturing and promoting Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and artists.

All submitted works are presented in a salon hang and are available for sale.

The KHT People’s Choice Award will be announced at the close of the exhibition.

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.

13^th Koorie Art Show opens Saturday 6 December 2025 until Sunday 22 February 2026, Koorie Heritage Trust, Birrarung Building, Fed Square. Free entry. Open daily, 10am-5pm.

www.kht.org.au