2026 First Nations Arts and Culture Awards Honor Bancroft, Perkins, and Pigram
The announcement of the 2026 First Nations Arts and Culture Awards took place on 27 May, aligning with the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and National Reconciliation Week. Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft, a Bundjalung artist, and Stephen Pigram, a Yawuru musician, were honored with the Red Ochre Awards for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence. Meanwhile, Hettie Kemarre Perkins and Djambawa Marawili AM were recognized for their contributions to Cultural Advocacy and Leadership. Bancroft has authored 50 books and showcased 'I am Gurgun' at Boomalli in Sydney, while Pigram is celebrated for his role in 'Bran Nue Dae'. The Youth Award went to Hayley Millar Baker, and John Harvey was named Established Artist. A new Rhoda Roberts Trailblazer Award will be introduced next year.
Key facts
- Awards announced on 27 May 2026
- Bronwyn Bancroft received Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence
- Stephen Pigram also received Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence
- Hettie Kemarre Perkins received Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cultural Advocacy and Leadership
- Djambawa Marawili AM also received Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cultural Advocacy and Leadership
- Hayley Millar Baker won Youth Award
- John Harvey won Established Artist award
- New Rhoda Roberts Trailblazer Award established by Creative Australia
Entities
Artists
- Bronwyn Bancroft
- Stephen Pigram
- Hettie Kemarre Perkins
- Djambawa Marawili AM
- Hayley Millar Baker
- John Harvey
- Rhoda Roberts AO
Institutions
- Creative Australia
- Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative
- National Indigenous Arts and Advocacy Association
- Australian Society of Authors
- Arts Law
- Art Gallery of New South Wales
- ArtsHub
- ScreenHub
Locations
- Sydney
- Australia