Red ochre award - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts

The Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander arts board established the red ochre award in 1993 to pay tribute to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist who, throughout their lifetime, has made outstanding contributions to the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, at both national and international levels. This is an annual award.

Amount

$50,000

Who can nominate?

Nominations will be accepted from arts and community organisations and individuals. Individuals cannot nominate themselves and nominations may only be made for living artists (awards will not be given posthumously).

What are the selection criteria?

In selecting a nominee to honour with this award, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts board will take into account the artist’s:

• lifetime contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts
• lifetime contribution to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community
• substantial personal achievement in arts practice
• artistic leadership.

What should you submit?

A formal application is not required and the award is not project-based. However, nominations should comprise:

• a letter from the nominator outlining how the nominated artist has contributed to the recognition of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander arts both nationally and internationally
• letters of support for the nomination from other artists, or prominent individuals and organisations
• biographical information and a resumé of the exhibiting, performing or publishing history of the artist’s artistic achievement and/or leadership
• reviews, recordings, CDs, videos, slides, photographs, articles, catalogues, publications or references to publications about the artist’s work.

Important information

Further information is available from Australia Council staff.