The Maari Ma Indigenous Art Awards are returning for 2025, marking a significant milestone as Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation celebrates its 30th anniversary year with an increased prize pool of $19,500.

The prestigious awards, presented in collaboration with Broken Hill City Art Gallery and West Darling Arts, provide a platform to showcase and celebrate the depth and diversity of First Nations creativity across Far West NSW.

Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation was established in November 1995, following extensive community consultation conducted on behalf of the Murdi Paaki ATSIC Regional Council. The organisation is led and governed by an all-Aboriginal Board of Directors, democratically elected to represent seven communities in the region: Broken Hill, Ivanhoe, Balranald, Menindee, Wilcannia, Wentworth Shires and Tibooburra from the unincorporated area.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists living in the Maari Ma/West Darling Arts region are invited to submit up to two works created within the last 12 months, with a maximum size of 1500mm × 1500mm.

The 2024 awards set a strong benchmark for this year's competition. The Open Art Prize was awarded to Bilyara Bates for "Karnu Tharlta, Sandstone" (stone on stone – traditional method, 2024).

This year's judge is Rebecca Ray, Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collections and Exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.

The awards feature multiple categories designed to recognise artists across different age groups and mediums. The Young Artist category (Under 15) offers an art prize pack valued at $500, sponsored by West Darling Arts.

Works with labels securely attached should be delivered to the Broken Hill City Art Gallery on Sunday, 2 November 2025, between 10am and 4pm. Entries can be completed online at the Gallery's website: www.bhartgallery.com.au, or via entry forms available at the Gallery.

The opening night and prize announcement will take place on Friday, 7 November 2025.

The awards showcase an inspiring selection of artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from the Maari Ma and West Darling Arts region, reflecting diverse artistic practices and stories.

Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation is dedicated to improving the health outcomes for Aboriginal communities in the Far West region of New South Wales, providing comprehensive, culturally appropriate health services. The organisation has been providing healthcare for almost 30 years and currently employs more than 70 people across the Service in Broken Hill and throughout the region.

The awards represent more than just an art competition – they're a celebration of cultural continuity, creative innovation, and community strength in one of Australia's most iconic regions.

For full entry details, visit https://bit.ly/483TAcP or contact the Broken Hill City Art Gallery directly.

Entries close: Sunday, 2 November 2025

Entry delivery: 10am-4pm, Sunday, 2 November 2025

Opening night: Friday, 7 November 2025

Gallery contact: (08) 8080 3444

Email: [email protected]