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This year’s 26^th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award has attracted almost 25,000 visitors since the exhibition opened five weeks ago.

 

Minister for Arts and Museums, Gerry McCarthy, today said this was a great result that once again demonstrated the public’s interest in and affection for Indigenous art.

 

“The Telstra Art Award brings together the best Indigenous art works from around the country and is a tremendous vehicle to showcase and promote Indigenous art,” Mr McCarthy said.

 

“Almost 25,000 locals and tourists have visited this year’s exhibition at MAGNT, and more than 3,000 have gone to the www.magnt.nt.gov.au/natsia website to visit the exhibition online.

 

“One of the highlights of this year’s exhibition has been a synthetic polymer paint on canvas called Wave Bust … Windy Night by Queensland artist Samantha Hobson, who has won this year’s People’s Choice Award.

 

“She has been a full time artist since 2000 when she held her first solo exhibition in Brisbane and has exhibited extensively in Australia and internationally.

 

“Samantha’s work received 118 of the 893 votes cast on site at MAGNT and I congratulate her on her win, which includes a framed certificate for her achievement.

 

“I also encourage anyone who hasn’t done so, to visit the exhibition online and cast their vote in the inaugural online virtual vote, which remains open until Sunday, 25 October.”

 

The Telstra Art Award is the longest-running art award dedicated to the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

 

“Telstra is delighted that through its sponsorship of these Awards more Australians are getting the opportunity to see the remarkable works of our Indigenous artists,” said Georgia Symmons, General Manager Telstra Indigenous Directorate.

 

The 26^th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award is supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments.

 

Entry to MAGNT is free, which is open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 10am to 5pm on weekends.

 

 

Contact: Edwin Edlund 0401 119 563

Related files:
Samantha Hobson with Wave Bust ... Windy Night.JPG ( 418.85 kb )
GMcCarthy.170909.People'sChoice.pdf ( 300.63 kb )