Broken Hill City Art Gallery, in collaboration with Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Health Corporation and West Darling Arts, presents the
2026 Maari Ma Indigenous Art Awards.
The exhibition celebrates the creativity and cultural expression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across the Maari Ma and West Darling Arts region. Bringing together works by emerging and established artists, young people and school groups, it reflects a wide range of artistic practices, personal stories and connections to Country.
The non-acquisitive awards provide a platform for First Nations artists to share their work and recognise their ongoing contribution to art and culture across the Far West. All entered artworks will be displayed as part of the exhibition.
Awards and prizes
This year’s awards include $16,000 in cash prizes and $3,500 in art prize packs, with categories recognising artists working across a range of mediums and stages of their creative practice.
Guest judge: Bibi Barba
We are pleased to welcome Bibi Barba as the guest judge for the 2026 awards.
Bibi is a proud Aboriginal saltwater woman and cultural leader belonging to the Darumbal, Darkinjung, Cammerygal, Gadigal and Yuin clans. With an internationally recognised artistic career spanning more than 35 years, she brings a wealth of creativity, knowledge and experience to this year’s awards.
Bibi is also a leading international expert in Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), supporting and educating Aboriginal artists about their rights. In 2024, she was an Australian delegate at the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva, where she contributed to a treaty addressing the misappropriation of traditional knowledge.
Exhibition opening
Join us on Friday 30 October, from 6 pm, for the official opening and awards presentation. Award winners will be announced on the night.
The evening will also celebrate the opening of Palirika Barka Kiira by Barb Quayle and feature a special Lighting Up Culture projection display in the Main Gallery.
Enjoy live music, light refreshments and bar facilities as we celebrate the artists and their work.
Free entry. Everyone welcome.