The Australia Council for the Arts has announced the recipients of the 2022 First Nations Arts Awards in a ceremony held on 27 May. The annual awards recognise First Nations artists at various stages of their careers, across multiple artforms and platforms. The awards are presented each year on 27 May, marking the anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the start of National Reconciliation Week.

First Nations Arts Awards

Bangarra Artistic Director Stephen Page. Photo © Tiffany Parker.

“The First Nations Arts Awards celebrate the outstanding work and achievements of First Nations artists. The 2022 recipients traverse a range of artforms and experience – from music to theatre, dance, visual arts, and poetry,” said Franchesca Cubillo, Australia Council Executive Director First Nations Arts and Culture.

This year, two artists received the Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement, recognising a longstanding contribution to arts in Australia. The awards went to Stephen Page, Artistic Director of Bangarra, and visual artist Destiny Deacon. Page, a descendant of the Nunukul people, has served as AD of Bangarra since 1991. He directed the Indigenous sections of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Opening...