Festival of indigenous art and culture to return

Published on 15 December 2021

Entries are now open for the 2022 Maari Ma Indigenous Art Awards (MMIAA).

The aim of the Awards is to provide an opportunity to showcase and celebrate art works and creativity in the Far West by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists residing in the Murdi Paaki Region.

Council and Maari Ma are offering $10,000 in prizes this year, with the winners to be announced at a gala Indigenous art festival in April 2022.

Council's Manager Gallery and Museums, Blake Griffiths, said he was looking forward to a bigger and better MMIAA in 2022.

"Last year with the COVID interruptions we had to have a hybrid event of an online broadcast and a smaller attendance in-house," he said.

"That model was very successful given the circumstances, but it will be great to return the event to a festival setting and allow the whole community to celebrate our region's amazing Indigenous art and culture.

"The event will be held in the Albert Kersten Mining and Minerals Museum hall due to the ongoing renovations at the Art Gallery, and we'll look to create a great festival atmosphere for attendees."

Artworks can be entered in any medium on any theme, and entries are due to the Albert Kersten Mining and Minerals Museum by March 18, 2022 

Entry forms can be obtained from the Gallery's pop-up shop ‘The Workshop’ in town square, or at the Albert Kersten Mining and Minerals Museum on the corner of Bromide and Crystal Street. 

Those seeking further information or wishing to enter online can visit: https://www.bhartgallery.com.au/Whats-On/Maari-Ma-Indigenous-Art-Awards

MMIAA is presented in collaboration with the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery, Maari Ma Aboriginal Health Corporation and is supported by West Darling Arts.

Festival details along with the guest judge for 2022 are expected to be announced early next year.

Art Prize categories are as follows:

OPEN CATEGORIES

Open Art Prize (Artwork in any medium on any theme (Painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, film, installation etc.).

1st Prize - $5000

2nd Prize - $2000

Emerging Artist Award - $1000

Nhuungku Prize (Women’s Prize) for Excellence - $1000

JUNIOR CATEGORIES (18 and under)

Young Artist Prize* -  Art Pack to the value of $1000

West Darling Arts Studio Starter Prize - Art Pack to the Value of $500. 

*Open Art Prize entrants under the age of 18 will also automatically be eligible for Junior Category prizes.