Call for Entries now open!

Entry Form: https://magnt.smartygrants.com.au/2026TelstraNATSIAA

Please contact the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory if you need assistance regarding submission of the Entry Form or interpretive services. Key terms are explained in 15. Definitions at the end of this document.

Exhibitions Coordinator

Telephone: (08) 8998217

Email: natsiaa@magnt.net.au

For further information and support outside of MAGNT, the following organisations for artists are available:

▷ Indigenous Art Code Ltd (IartC)

Working with their members to support fair, transparent and ethical trade with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual artists. Artist Members are practising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual artists who wish to add their voice to the call for fair and ethical trade for themselves and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

Artist Members are not signatories to the Code but, as Members, must abide by the rules set out in IartC’s constitution. We encourage you to look at IartC’s resources on Artists’ Perspectives on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP). Artist Membership is FREE.

Website: https://indigenousartcode.org/

Contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement and Artist Membership Coordinator

Email: contact@indigenousartcode.org

Phone: 0497467794

▷ Arts Law

Arts Law is Australia’s only community legal centre for the arts. Arts Law advises artists and arts organisations. They have free resources about contracts, copyright, defamation, Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), and offer workshops.

Email: artslaw@artslaw.com.au

Website: https://www.artslaw.com.au

Phone: (02) 9356 2566 OR 1800 221 457 (toll-free)

▷ National Association for the Visual Arts

NAVA is a Membership organisation which brings together the many voices of the contemporary arts sector to improve fundamental conditions of work and practice. NAVA do this through advocacy, education and the Code of Practice for Visual Arts, Craft and Design. For more information about support and membership, visit the website or get in touch with the NAVA team.

Website: https://visualarts.net.au

Contact the First Nations Outreach Coordinator

Email: georgia@visualarts.net.au OR nava@visualarts.net.au

Phone: (02) 9368 1900 (9-10am and 2-4pm Monday-Thursday)

1800 046 282 (18000 4 NAVA) (Free call 9 - 10am and 2 - 4pm Monday to Thursday)

▷ Copyright Agency

As part of their service to members, Copyright Agency can negotiate a licensing fee on behalf of a member to ensure they are appropriately paid for the use of their artwork. If you're not already a Copyright Agency member and you have a licensing opportunity, you can join online. Membership is free.

Website: https://www.copyright.com.au/

Email: amartin@copyright.com.au

Phone: (02) 9394 7600

Taking place on Larrakia Country, the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (Telstra NATSIAA) encourages entries from all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across the continent. The Awards were founded by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) in 1984 and remain the longest running Awards dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and artists. Since 1992, Telstra have been Principal Partner for Telstra NATSIAA. The 2026 Telstra NATSIAA marks the 43rd year that MAGNT has presented these annual Awards and Exhibition, and this year’s entrants, finalists and winners will shape another chapter of the Awards’ story.

Open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, Telstra NATSIAA is a non-acquisitive Award that is free to enter and encourages artists to submit an artwork of their choice in one of the Award Categories. Telstra NATSIAA has no set theme; these Awards celebrate the validity and cultural diversity of contemporary Indigenous artistic expression in all its forms.

Telstra NATSIAA awards a total of $190,000 in prize money each year. The overall Telstra Art Award offers prize money of $100,000 (excl. GST) and is awarded to the Artwork considered by the judges to be the most outstanding Artwork in the Exhibition.

The following Award Categories offer each Award Recipient prize money of $15,000 (excl. GST):

• Telstra General Painting Award

• Telstra Bark Painting Award

• Telstra Work on Paper Award

• Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award (sponsored by Telstra)

• Telstra Multimedia Award

• Telstra Emerging Artist Award

In addition to the above Award Categories is the Telstra People’s Choice Award, which is a non-monetary Award chosen by popular vote. The People’s Choice Award will be open to the public for voting for the duration of the Exhibition.

See Section 15. Definitions to learn more about each Award Category.

WHO CAN ENTER

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  

• Individuals and/or collectives of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists.
  

• Members of the Telstra NATSIAA Selection Panel and Judging Panel are not eligible to enter the Awards, nor are Telstra and MAGNT employees and their immediate relatives.

COMPLETING THE ENTRY FORM

• An Artist can apply as an individual, completing their Entry Form themselves and representing themselves in all Telstra NATSIAA matters. Telstra NATSIAA requires the Artist to be the primary contact and MAGNT will liaise with them directly. If required, MAGNT will provide translator support. Artists can also provide a secondary contact, however if the secondary contact is an organisation or entity, they must be a current Dealer Member of the Indigenous Art Code.
  

• An Artist can apply through an Agent who will complete the Entry Form on their behalf. The Artist has consented and selected their Agent to be the contact person in Telstra NATSIAA matters such as correspondence with MAGNT and Telstra. Where this Agent is an organisation or entity, the Agent must be a current Dealer Member of the Indigenous Art Code.
  

• The Artist must agree to the Declaration on the online Entry Form.

NUMBER OF ENTRIES

• Each Artist is permitted to submit 2 applications to Telstra NATSIAA:

  • one Artwork created solely by an individual, AND/OR

  • one Artwork created in collaboration with other Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Artists as a collective.
    

• An Artist must choose the Category to enter their Artwork into. An Artist can enter their individual and/or collaborative Artwork/s in any single Category that they are eligible for.
  

• In the case of collaborative Artworks, the nature of the collaboration needs to be specified on the Entry Form. A collaborative Artwork is only eligible if it has been created by 2 or more Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Artists and the work is their principal artistic vision and creative output. The details of each of the Artists must be included on the Entry Form and include their name, place of residence, date of birth and language group/s.
  

• Telstra NATSIAA understands that some Artists work with assistants for technical support to produce their work. This assistance may be provided by Indigenous or non-Indigenous people. Assistants must not alter or affect the Artist’s creative content or artistic intent. The Artist must confirm that any individual who has assisted an Artist, has done so under the Artist’s direction. The Artist may provide details of any Assistant/s they wish to acknowledge or thank in the relevant part of the Entry Form.
  

• If an Artist chooses to list an Assistant/s, you must identify if they are to be acknowledged in the Telstra NATSIAA Exhibition and catalogue captions. Telstra NATSIAA will only liaise with the Artist/s for all matters related to Telstra NATSIAA.

EMERGING ARTIST ELIGIBILITY

MAGNT defines ‘Emerging’ to mean any early-career Artist actively working within the first 5 years of their professional practice. ‘Professional practice’ may mean they are pursuing new and varied opportunities, dedicating time to making and developing work, showing or performing in exhibitions and at events, increasing public and industry awareness of their practice and reputation, seeking representation and beginning to develop networks and collaborate creatively. When completing the application, the Artist/s will be prompted to select the number of years of professional practice they have engaged in and supply their Curriculum Vitae (CV).

• If the Artist does not comply with any of the above eligibility requirements, the Artist will be ineligible to enter Telstra NATSIAA.

ARTWORK CRITERIA

Artworks will need to comply with the following criteria:

• The Artwork/s must be the original work of the Artist.
  

• The Artwork/s must be the property of the Artist. Proof of ownership may be required.
  

• The Artwork/s must be the finished and final Artwork and must not be altered or further worked on from the time of entry. The Artwork that arrives at MAGNT must be identical to the photograph submitted with the application.
  

• The Artwork/s cannot exceed (H) 300 x (W) 300 x (D) 300 cm. This must be the maximum overall measurement of the Artwork and is inclusive of all pieces/components in its intended configuration for display.
  

• The Artwork/s must have been completed within 12 months of the close of entry date of Monday 23 February 2026.
  

• The Artwork/s must be available for public display for the duration of the Exhibition.

• The Artwork/s, including limited-edition prints, must not have been previously publicly displayed or entered into an exhibition, award, competition or festival prior to entering Telstra NATSIAA.
  

• Images of the Artwork/s must not be posted on social media, online, or published in other media following entering Telstra NATSIAA. It is a requirement that the Artwork/s is not referred to on social media as entered in Telstra NATSIAA. If the Artwork/s is selected for the Telstra NATSIAA Exhibition, the Artwork/s must remain under strict media embargo until Saturday 27 June 2026.
  

• The Artwork/s must be delivered to MAGNT in good, clean, undamaged condition and ready for display. Artwork received in poor or damaged condition, that differ from the images and description of the Artwork/s included with the application to Telstra NATSIAA, may be excluded from the Exhibition and will be returned to the Finalist at their own expense. The description on the Entry Form should state if deterioration, change or decay is in any way part of the essence of the Artwork/s.

RESPECT AND ICIP

• Where the Artwork/s embodies collective, inherited cultural expressions and knowledge that belong to a particular Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community or language group, the Artist/s must confirm they are respecting cultural protocols, and are a Custodian or have the permission of the Custodians to use such cultural expressions or knowledge. The Artist/s can choose to complete a Notice of Custodial Interest in the Entry Form to communicate the wishes of Custodians in regard to the Artwork.
  

• If the Artwork does not comply with all eligibility requirements, the Artist/s and their Artwork/s will be ineligible for Telstra NATSIAA.

AFTER ENTERING TELSTRA NATSIAA

• The Artist/s whose Artwork/s is/are selected for Telstra NATSIAA will be required to enter into an Artist Agreement between the Artist/s and MAGNT.
  

• The Artist/s whose Artwork/s is/are selected to receive an Award will be required to enter into an Award Recipient Agreement between the Artist/s and MAGNT.
  

• Award Recipients are encouraged to attend the Media Preview, Awards Ceremony and associated events during the weekend of the Awards Ceremony. If an Award Recipient is unable to attend, they may send a representative instead. MAGNT will reimburse up to $2,000 (excl. GST) per Award Recipient to cover travel and accommodation expenses. MAGNT will also offer assistance for ground travel in Darwin to attend the events for Telstra NATSIAA.

The Artist/s or their Agent must complete and submit the application to Telstra NATSAIA via the online Entry Form before the Closing Date for Entries.

The Entry Form is available at: https://magnt.smartygrants.com.au/2025TelstraNATSIAA

Eligible entries must include:

• The completed Entry Form

• Completed Declaration in the online Entry Form

• At least 1, and up to 3, high resolution JPG or TIFF images of the finished Artwork/s at 300dpi resolution and clearly labelled with the Artist’s name.

• For multimedia Artwork/s that include moving image, video, sound or other digital elements, entries should be a downloadable file submitted via a shared URL (web link) using OneDrive or Google Drive. Where relevant, a subtitled version of the entry must be provided by the Artist/s.

• High resolution digital portrait at 300dpi of the Artist/s to be used for promotional purposes.

• A one-page CV for the Artist/s, in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word format.

• An Artist biography of up to 200 words for the Exhibition catalogue. The biography should include key information about the Artist.

• An Artist/s statement of up to 100 words that will be used on the Exhibition object labels accompanying the Artwork in the Exhibition and in the Exhibition catalogue. This can be in any language the Artist chooses, provided that an English translation is included with the application.

• If the Artist/s would like to supply more information to the Selection and Judging Panels, they may also provide up to 450 words of further reference information supporting the Artist’s approach to their art practice. This can be in any language the Artist chooses, provided that an English translation is included with the application.

• Instructions for any special requirements needed for the installation or hanging of the Artwork.

• Clear indication of the orientation the Artwork is to be hung or other display requirements.

A complete application includes:

• All fields of the Entry Form have been completed

• The Artist has included a photograph of the entered Artwork

• The Artist has included a portrait photograph of themselves, as well as any for collaborating Artist/s

• The Artist has included their CV and biography, as well as for any collaborating Artist/s

• All instructions needed to install and display the Artwork

It is essential that the information provided in the application is accurate and the photographs portray the submitted Artwork to its best advantage so that the Selection Panel are provided with the strongest documentation. These must be high resolution JPG or TIFF images of 300 dpi. Moving image and/or sound works must be submitted via a downloadable file with a shared URL (web link). Artwork/s should be well lit with bright or natural light to ensure the colours of the work are shown accurately. To help the Artwork look its best, centre the work in the photograph. Include shots from various angles and focused shots that highlight important details such as the texture of materials or fine mark-making that is integral to the Artwork and can only be seen in a detail shot.

Where an Artwork comprises multiple pieces/components, please include the details of each piece/component in the online Entry Form. The display of the Artwork in the Exhibition will replicate how it is presented in the application photographs.

Please do not send your Artwork/s to MAGNT until you have received advice from MAGNT to do so.

Once the Entry Form has been submitted for consideration by the Selection Panel, no further additions or changes can be made to the Artwork. If any changes or additions are made, the Artwork will be ineligible.

Each year, a selection process is undertaken to select the finalist Artworks for Telstra NATSIAA. Entry into the Telstra NATSIAA is highly competitive with more than 200 entries received each year and approximately 70 artworks selected for the Exhibition.

All entries are carefully considered by the Selection Panel, which consists of 3 independent Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with expertise in art and culture.

The Selection Panel selects the finalist Artworks from the information submitted in the application. All entries are carefully considered regarding eligibility. You might be contacted regarding your eligibility or to clarify questions from the Selection Panel.

Following the selection of finalist Artworks, all entrants will be notified whether they have or have not been selected for the Telstra NATSIAA Exhibition. The decision of the Selection Panel is final and there will be no discussion or further correspondence about the decision. While the decision will not be discussed, there will be an opportunity for feedback if an Artist seeks to discuss their artistic practice or their experience of the entry process with MAGNT staff in a culturally safe environment as determined between MAGNT and the Artist.

An Artist Agreement will be forwarded to all Telstra NATSIAA Finalists. The Artist Agreement will contain information about the Exhibition, the exhibition process, key dates and deadlines including when Artwork/s are due to be delivered to MAGNT and information about the Telstra NATSIAA Awards Ceremony.

Artists will be notified about the outcome of their application by Wednesday 19 March 2026.

Please contact MAGNT if you have not been notified of the status of your application by this date.

MAGNT will publicly announce the list of Telstra NATSIAA Finalists within 4 weeks of notifying Artists of the outcome of their application.

Finalist Artworks must be delivered to MAGNT by no later than Friday 24 April 2026.

PREPARATION OF ARTWORK FOR DELIVERY

• Bark paintings

Barks must be strapped and delivered to MAGNT with a fixing or hanging mechanism, ready to hang and the orientation of the Artwork clearly marked.

• Multimedia Artworks

The ‘Multimedia’ category includes multi-disciplinary Artwork/s, as well as Artwork/s that incorporate digital technologies, live performance, sound and/or video as a core part of the Work. Installation Artwork/s are also included within this category. If your Artwork/s includes moving image, sound or any digital elements, please submit as a downloadable file through a shared URL (web link) using OneDrive or Google Drive and include a copy of the software required for installation. Please check to ensure that you enable the settings for file downloading and the ‘share via link’ setting is also enabled. Where relevant, a subtitled version of the Artwork/s must be provided by the Artist/s. Technical requirements, software licences, and installation and operating instructions are to be included in the application. Provisions need to be made by the Artist/s or their Agent to supply any equipment that is required for the Artwork/s should MAGNT be unable to supply.

• Artworks on canvas and linen

All canvases must be stretched and ready to hang prior to delivery to MAGNT. Please ensure all materials are completely dry prior to transporting. If using bubble-wrap, please ensure bubbles are facing outward to prevent the bubbles causing indentations. Appropriate hanging mechanisms need to be attached to the back of the Artwork/s. Please indicate the top of the Artwork/s by marking on the back of the canvas/linen.

• Framed Artworks

Framed Artwork/s are to be delivered using perspex or acrylic rather than glass to prevent damage to the Artwork should breakage occur. Appropriate hanging mechanisms need to be attached to the frame. Please indicate the top of the Artwork/s by marking on the back of the work.

• Unframed Artwork/s

Unframed Artwork/s should be fitted with appropriate hanging mechanisms. Please indicate the top of the Artwork/s by marking on the back of the work.

• Three-dimensional Artworks

Organic e.g. hollow logs and wood sculptures – Artwork/s made of organic materials including wood should be packaged in several layers of absorbent material before adding protective cardboard and bubble wrap to reduce moisture buildup and potential mould growth. If using bubble-wrap, please ensure the bubbles are facing outwards. Examples of appropriate breathable materials include Evolution® or cotton sheets and towels. It is also recommended to avoid excessive use of packaging tape. Inorganic e.g. ceramics, glass – ensure the work is well padded. Double box the Artwork/s and ensure the smaller/inner box is well supported inside the larger/outer box.

• Textiles

Ensure the Artwork/s includes a hanging system that is suitable for its size and weight.

• Earth pigments

Reasonable care should be taken when packing Artwork/s that feature earth pigments. Use materials such as glassine against the Artwork/s to reduce pigment loss before adding other packing materials.

Please contact MAGNT if you would like further information on preparing Artwork/s for transport.

DELIVERY OF ARTWORK

Finalist Artists will be required to organise the delivery of their Artwork/s to MAGNT at their own cost, including insurance and packing and freighting arrangements to a standard that ensures its safety.

MAGNT can support independent Artists with some of the cost to freight Artworks to and from MAGNT. Please get in touch with MAGNT if you would like further information on how to access this support.

The choice of freighting company is at the discretion of the Finalist Artist/s and should be fully investigated prior to booking the transport to ensure it is appropriate for the particular Artwork/s. Please remember that Darwin has a tropical climate. Temperatures and humidity can be extreme and damaging to Artwork/s if they are left exposed to outside elements for any length of time.

Where possible, Artwork/s should be packaged in a way so the packing materials can be reused for the return delivery of the artwork. Should an Artwork require any specialist packaging or additional crating for return delivery, MAGNT will soft pack the Artwork and liaise with the Artist/s or their Agent and third party for collection.

Artwork/s must arrive framed, strapped or stretched with the necessary hanging or installation systems attached, ready to hang or install in the Exhibition. Please indicate the top of the Artwork either through the placement of D rings or hooks, or by marking on the back of the work.

• For multimedia Artwork/s, Artists must provide all required equipment including software and hardware.

• If Artwork/s are transported rolled and then framed by Darwin-based framers, please instruct the framer to include the necessary attachments or hanging systems.

• Any special instructions needed to hang or install the Artwork/s must be provided with the Artwork/s.

• Please indicate the orientation for the display of the Artwork/s by writing “TOP” on the back.

• Where an Artwork is made up of multiple pieces/components, please identify each component with a plan and/or numbering system.

Upon arrival at MAGNT, all Artworks will be:

• Condition checked. Finalists will be advised if there is damage or any issues with the proposed display of the Artwork/s.

• Insect pest inspected. Artwork/s may require an on-site non-toxic fumigation treatment, either freezing or low oxygen environment. This is for Artwork care and to ensure insect pests are not brought into MAGNT.

Each Finalist Artwork will be photographed by MAGNT for the Exhibition catalogue and promotional collateral. Artworks will be held in secure storage at MAGNT until ready to be installed in the gallery for the 2026 Telstra NATSIAA Exhibition.

COLLECTION OF ARTWORK

In the final months of the Exhibition MAGNT will communicate with the Finalist via the email address supplied in the online Entry Form requesting details for the despatch of the Artwork/s. MAGNT will issue a Despatch Form that needs to be completed by a strict deadline with information regarding the return or forwarding destination of the Artwork/s.

MAGNT reserves the right to dispose of any Artwork that is left unclaimed for six months following the close of the Exhibition.

INSURANCE

The insurance of Artwork/s whilst in transit is the responsibility of the Artist/s or their nominated Agent or the new owner if the Artwork/s has been sold. Whilst in MAGNT’s care, Artwork/s will be covered by MAGNT from the time they arrive in the building until the time they are despatched.

The Exhibition of the Finalist Artworks will be presented on Larrakia Country at MAGNT from Saturday 27 June 2026. The Judging Panel will review the Finalist Artworks in the gallery upon completion of the installation of the Exhibition.

The Loan Period of the Artwork/s is from the date the Artwork/s is delivered to MAGNT to the last day of despatch. Please see 1. Key Dates.

MAGNT may at any time, acting reasonably and upon giving adequate notice to the Artist/s or their nominated Agent, cancel the Exhibition or alter its opening and/or closing dates.

MAGNT reserves the right to negotiate with the Artist/s about display options for their Artwork/s.

Judging of the Exhibition will take place on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 June 2026. Award recipients will be notified under embargo by Friday 17 July 2026.

The Award recipients will be made public for the first time as part of the Awards Ceremony on Friday 7 August 2026. Award recipients will receive their Awards as part of the Awards Ceremony and will be invited to respond with a few words. Award recipients will also be asked to pre-record a brief video segment for promotional purposes prior to the Awards Ceremony.

To learn more about previous years, visit www.magnt.net.au/natsiaa

Judging is the final process that takes place in the gallery in the weeks leading up to the Awards Ceremony. The judging panel comprises three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with knowledge and experience of contemporary visual arts and are independent from MAGNT. These judges are appointed on an annual basis. The judges consider the Artworks entered into each category and read through the information and extended Artist’s statements supporting their Artwork and art practice.

The Award recipients will be notified prior to the Awards Ceremony and will be issued with an Award Recipient Agreement that will outline travel and accommodation support for attending the Artist Welcome, Awards Ceremony and associated events including Artist Talks. The judges' decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Telstra NATSIAA is a non-acquisitive Award.

MAGNT must be granted the first right to acquire the Artwork/s at the price listed in the application. MAGNT will advise the Artist/s by Thursday 6 August 2026 if it will acquire the Artwork/s.

It is important to consider the full cost of the Artwork/s, including framing, stretching, strapping and freight costs to and from MAGNT. Payment will be made within 30 days upon receipt of a Tax Invoice from the Artist/s or Agent.

All Artwork/s must be available to be acquired by MAGNT and must not be pre-sold prior to the Awards Ceremony on Friday 7 August 2026. If the Artwork/s is not acquired by MAGNT it will be available for public purchase from Saturday 8 August 2026. Negotiation of Artwork sales is between the Artist/s, or their agreed Agent, and the potential buyer. To facilitate this the Artist/s or their agreed Agent’s website will be listed in the Exhibition catalogue.

Please carefully consider the sale price as it will not be possible to alter the price following the close of entries on Monday 23 February 2026.

The winners of the 2026 Telstra NATSIAA will be announced on Friday, 7 August 2026 at MAGNT.

All Finalists and their guests are invited to travel to Darwin and attend the Artists’ Welcome, Awards Ceremony and associated events including Artist/s Talks. Award recipients' travel and accommodation in Darwin will be supported by MAGNT through the reimbursement of expenses up to the value of $2,000 (GST exc.). Reimbursement will be paid upon receiving the associated tax invoices. MAGNT can assist with travel to and from airports, accommodation, and Telstra NATSIAA events at MAGNT.

Under the terms of the Artist Agreement, all Finalists give MAGNT permission for the Artist/s to be photographed, audio recorded, live streamed or filmed by MAGNT in relation to the 2026 Telstra NATSIAA Awards Ceremony and associated events, in accordance with the terms of a Talent Release comprised within the Artist Agreement.

MAGNT (and its principal partner Telstra and Other Parties) will always attribute the Artist/s as the author of the Artwork/s. Where MAGNT has reason to believe the information provided in the application is incorrect, or no longer the correct way to refer to an Artist, MAGNT will consult with the Artist/s or their Agent regarding the correct details.

MAGNT (and its principal partner Telstra and Other Parties) will respect Artists’ moral right of integrity and will reproduce Artwork/s in full and without any changes except for reproducing less than the full Artwork/s where space is limited or where MAGNT has sought prior approval in writing from the Artist/s or their nominated Agent for the change.

All Artists retain copyright in their Artwork.

MAGNT will work with the Artist and/or the Agent and/or Copyright Agency to prepare the copyright licence for the use and reproduction of the Artwork for 2026 Telstra NATSIAA matters.

Where MAGNT shares images of Artworks with third parties for publicity and promotion of the Telstra NATSIAA exhibition it will provide full Artist credit lines that acknowledge the Artist/s and their representing Agent and make it a condition of image supply that they be accompanied by the credit lines and Notice of Custodial Interest.

Finalists grant MAGNT as Telstra NATSIAA a fee-free, non-commercial, non-exclusive, perpetual licence to use the Artwork/s for its internal filing and archival purposes.

Non-commercial photography within the Exhibition will be allowed unless specified by the Artist/s at the time of selection as a Finalist and the signing of their Artist Agreement. MAGNT will support this by including a label beside any Artwork/s not to be photographed in the Exhibition.

If an Artwork includes Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) MAGNT as Telstra NATSIAA (and its principal partner Telstra and Other Parties) will acknowledge the language group or community with an appropriate Notice of Custodial Interest to be agreed with the Artist/s at the time of selection as a Finalist and the signing of their Artist Agreement.

MAGNT recognises and expects the Artist/s to recognise that:

• Indigenous communities are the Custodians of their ICIP and have an interest in protecting their ICIP from exploitation contrary to their customary laws.
  

• Any elements of, or materials comprised in, the Artwork/s that have been made or managed under communal protocols or customary laws relating to ICIP must only deal with such elements or materials in accordance with any such communal protocols or customary law.
  

• They must respect and act in accordance with the Protocols for producing art involving ICIP issued by Creative Australia from time to time.
  

• They must not use or refer to the Artwork/s in a context that might be considered by any community identified in the Notice of Custodial Interest to be inappropriate, derogatory, degrading or offensive. The rights and obligations of MAGNT (and its principal partner Telstra and Other Parties) and the Artist/s are subject to the requirements set out above. Nothing in these Guidelines transfers or excludes any applicable cultural rights in favour of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that may be implemented under Australian law.

• If there is a dispute between MAGNT and the Artist/s (each referred to as ‘a party’ in this section) as to any matter arising out of the Entry Process or the Artist Agreement, any party may issue a written notice of dispute (Dispute Notice) to the other party. Following receipt of the Dispute Notice, the recipient and the sender must endeavour to resolve the Dispute in good faith.
  

• Within 7 days of the recipient receiving the Dispute Notice, the parties must make best efforts to agree on a dispute resolution process, being either mediation or binding expert determination.
  

• If the parties cannot agree on a dispute resolution process within 7 days, the parties must participate in mediation.
  

• If the parties are unable to agree on an expert or a mediator to conduct a dispute resolution process for the Dispute, the parties agree to the appointment of an expert or mediator (as the case may be) by the President for the time being of the Law Society of the Northern Territory.

• The parties agree that the dispute resolution process adopted above will be conducted in accordance with the procedure chosen by the relevant expert or mediator appointed to conduct the dispute resolution process.
  

• The parties are to bear the costs of such a determination equally.
  

• The parties must continue to perform their respective obligations under this agreement despite the existence of a Dispute.
  

• For the avoidance of doubt, this disputes section does not apply to decisions made by the selection panel on the shortlist of Finalists or the judges on the Award recipients. These decisions are final. However, as indicated in Section 6, there will be an opportunity for feedback to be shared with MAGNT.

• MAGNT will not accept false or misleading representations, deceptive conduct or conduct that is likely to mislead or deceive in connection with an Artwork. Artists found to be misrepresenting themselves or their Artwork in any way will be deemed ineligible for Telstra NATSIAA.
  

• Artists or Agents found to be involved in any conduct or activity which, in the opinion of MAGNT, harms or may harm the reputation or name of MAGNT or its sponsors, or which offends public sensibility, may be deemed ineligible from entering or continuing in Telstra NATSIAA.
  

• MAGNT reserves the right to withdraw the Artwork from Telstra NATSIAA if concerns are raised that the Artwork is in breach of cultural protocols.
  

• MAGNT reserves the right to withdraw the Artwork from Telstra NATSIAA if it was found to be ineligible under the 2026 Guidelines.
  

• MAGNT reserves the right to revoke an Award from an Award Recipient found to be in breach of these conditions.

Agent is the person the Artist has consented and selected to represent them and be the contact person in Telstra NATSIAA matters such as correspondence with MAGNT and Telstra. This may be a family or community member or an art centre, cultural centre, language centre, keeping place, or commercial gallery who supports and represents the Artist. Where this Agent is an organisation or entity, the Agent must be a current Dealer Member of the Indigenous Art Code.

Artist is the Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander Artist or Artists who authored the Artwork submitted into Telstra NATSIAA.

Artwork is the Artwork submitted by the Artist/s and/or their Agent in the Entry Form. The Artist is the primary maker of the Artwork. The image or images of the Artwork submitted must be of the final artwork and no further alterations are allowed to be made to any aspect of the artwork after the entry form is submitted. Works in progress or indicative images or sketches of proposed artworks will not be considered and deemed ineligible.

Assistant is an individual working for and/or with an Artist to assist with the production of an Artwork. An Assistant may be an Indigenous or non-Indigenous individual. An Assistant must work under the Artist’s direction. An Assistant’s work may include (and is not limited to) material preparation, technical support, translation skills or cultural guidance. In the Entry Form, the Artist must complete all relevant fields if they wish to acknowledge or thank individuals for their assistance. Acknowledging assistance is not compulsory if it meets the Guidelines. It is a decision for each Artist to decide if they wish to acknowledge an Assistant. Telstra NATSIAA will only include an

Assistant name/s according to the Artist’s wishes as stated on the Entry Form. Telstra NATSIAA will not consider the Assistant as an Artist or as an active party within Telstra NATSIAA matters.

Collaborative Artwork is only eligible if it is the work of two or more Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Artists and the work is their principal artistic vision and creative output. The details of each of the artists must be included in the online Entry Form including their name, place of residence, date of birth and language groups.

Cultural Protocols includes Customary Laws, Indigenous legal practices, systems, codes, statutes, ordinances, rules and protocols as applied in a collective context by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities. Telstra NATSIAA endorses Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights – the rights of Indigenous people to own and control their cultural heritage. Under copyright laws these rights are not always protected, and this is why a condition of entry is to confirm the Artwork was created with respect and in line with the relevant cultural protocols.

Finalist is an Artist whose work has been shortlisted by the Selection Panel to appear in the Telstra NATSIAA exhibition.

ICIP is the abbreviation for ‘Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property’ and refers to the rights that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have, to protect their arts and culture.

Notice of Custodial Interest is a notice that may be attached to an Artwork to indicate the subject matter embodies collective, inherited cultural expressions and knowledge that belongs to a particular Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community or language group. A Notice of Custodial Interest indicates that permission of the Custodians of that knowledge has been sought and given for specific uses of that knowledge, and alerts others that the Custodians should be contacted for any other use of the subject-matter. It also reminds anyone reading the Notice that the Custodians of the knowledge in the Artwork need to be respected and contacted if a person wants to use the Artwork and its associated knowledge in any way that has not been authorised by the Custodians. The Notice appears beside the Artwork on a label. When images of the Artwork are supplied for Telstra NATSIAA media and promotion, the credit line and Notice of Custodial Interest will always be attached.

Other Parties are those parties MAGNT or Telstra contract to help deliver the Telstra NATSIAA exhibition and associated events including the Artists’ Welcome, Opening and Awards Ceremony and Media Preview.

AWARD CATEGORIES

There are seven Award Categories in Telstra NATSIAA chosen by the judges and the Telstra People’s Choice Award which is a non-monetary Award chosen by popular vote. An Artist is eligible to win more than one of the Awards if selected by the judges, and the Artwork satisfies all Conditions of Entry and the below Award definitions.

Telstra Art Award is awarded to the Artwork that has been judged as the most outstanding and best overall from the Finalists that year. The recipient of this Award receives $100,000 (excl. GST).

Telstra General Painting Award is selected from Artworks made with any paint on any supporting medium. This includes paints such as natural pigments, watercolours, synthetic polymer (acrylic) paints and oil paints. The recipient of this Award receives $15,000 (excl. GST).

Telstra Bark Painting Award is selected from paintings that use bark as the supporting medium. The bark can be of any shape and can be painted with any type of paint including but not limited to natural pigments. The recipient of this Award receives $15,000 (excl. GST).

Telstra Work on Paper Award is awarded to an outstanding Artwork made with the supporting medium of paper. Practices in this category include photography, printmaking, painting, drawing and installation works made from paper. The recipient of this Award receives $15,000 (excl. GST).

Telstra Multimedia Award is an award for multidisciplinary works, and Artworks that use digital technologies, installation, live performance, sound and/or video as a core part of the Artwork.

The recipient of this Award receives $15,000 (excl. GST).

Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award (sponsored by Telstra) is named after renowned Yolŋu leader and artist Wandjuk Marika (1927–1987) and is awarded to the most outstanding three-dimensional Artwork. The work can be in any medium, including but not limited to wood, glass, metal, fabric, plant fibre and recycled materials. The recipient of this Award receives $15,000 (excl. GST).

Telstra Emerging Artist Award is selected from Artworks by Artists who are within their first 5 years of professional practice, working in any medium. In the case of Collaborative Artworks, the Artwork will only be eligible for this Award if all Artists who created the Artwork are emerging artists. The recipient of this Award receives $15,000 (excl. GST).

Telstra People's Choice Award is selected by public vote and is announced in the weeks before the Exhibition closes. Votes are cast by visitors who view the Exhibition in person at MAGNT or via the virtual gallery. The recipient of this Award receives an Award trophy. There is no prize money attached to this Award.

Highly Commended - The judges may elect one or more Highly Commended Artworks in their respective categories. Artists of Highly Commended Artworks will receive a certificate. There is no prize money attached to this commendation.