Aboriginal curatorial leadership recognised in 2026 IMAGinE Awards nominations
30-10-2026
First Nations culture, history and artistic practice feature prominently in this year’s Museums & Galleries of NSW IMAGinE Awards nominations, with 19 nominations for projects across the state that highlight Aboriginal voices, cultural knowledge and truth-telling.
Leading the nominations are three candidates across four exhibitions for ACHAA’s Award for Excellence by an Aboriginal Curator. The award recognises the vital role Aboriginal curators play in ensuring First Nations stories are told with cultural care and authentic connection to community.
This year’s nominees are Kyra Kum-Sing (Malera Bundjalung/Mitadooki) for I am Gurgun: A retrospective of work by Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft AM at Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative, as well as a second nomination for Barani / Barrabugu (Yesterday / Tomorrow) at Customs House; Frances Belle Parker (Yaegl) for Beyond The River at Grafton Regional Gallery; and Ronald Briggs (Gamilaroi) for Mervyn Bishop: Close Up at the State Library of New South Wales.
These nominations reflect the breadth of Aboriginal curatorial practice, from celebrating the work of influential First Nations artists to exploring histories, identity and the enduring connections between people, culture and Country.
First Nations perspectives are also represented across the awards program, including exhibitions and engagement initiatives focused on Aboriginal language, cultural learning and community storytelling. Projects such as the nginha: atrium commissions exhibition at Murray Arts Museum and Koori Kids Art After School at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery demonstrate the diverse ways art spaces are supporting First Nations knowledge and creative expression.
For ACHAA, the curator award is an important opportunity to recognise Aboriginal leadership in the cultural sector and support the principle that Aboriginal people should lead the interpretation and presentation of their own histories, experiences and artistic expressions. As museums and galleries continue to engage with First Nations stories, Aboriginal curators remain central to building relationships with communities, challenging dominant historical narratives and presenting more authentic and impactful representations of our experiences.
The 2026 IMAGinE Awards will be presented on 26 November at Powerhouse Parramatta.
