Exhibition & Award

Purpose

The purpose of the King & Wood Mallesons Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award is to acknowledge the outstanding contribution made to Australian culture by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in remote, regional and urban areas throughout Australia working in wall hung two or three dimensional media including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, weaving, jewellery, acrylic glass, metal, works on bark or board, mixed media, digital media and sculpture.

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The King & Wood Mallesons First Nations Art Award is a biennial award, which King & Wood Mallesons intends to hold over at least six years. The inaugural award was held in 2018 as the King & Wood Mallesons Award – Contemporary First Nations Art Prize. The King & Wood Mallesons First Nations Art Award has been established by KWM to promote and encourage the highest standards of First Nations art practice in Australia.

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About King & Wood Mallesons

We are King & Wood Mallesons. The top tier international law firm, from Asia, for the world.

A firm born in Asia, underpinned by world class capability. With over 3000 lawyers in 30 global locations, we draw from our Western and Eastern perspectives to deliver incisive counsel.

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We are focused on our clients – people and organisations with distinctive ambitions and challenges. We are driven to understand your needs, solve your problems and unearth the right opportunities for you. Whether you're expanding globally or strengthening locally, our service style is dynamic, insightful, and tailored for you. 

KWM’s Responsible Business Practice

We believe we have a responsibility as a top tier international law firm to use our mastery of the law for the lasting prosperity of our clients, people and communities. Our Responsible Business practice is made up of six focus areas – one of these being First Nations People & Communities.

For too long Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been excluded from Australian legal systems. This exclusion has contributed to the harm that legal systems have caused and is a factor in the underrepresentation of First Nations people across the legal profession. 

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Our work acknowledges and reflects the injustices and legacy that has continued to impact on the lives of First Peoples. Our approach is embedded with a deep recognition of our privilege, and the responsibility and role we have to play in redressing these injustices.

The KWM Contemporary Frist Nations Are Award is a signature initiative that sits within our First Nations People & Communities focus area.

​About the Awards

There will be four awards announced as part of this year’s Exhibition.  

The King & Wood Mallesons First Nations Art Award, the QLD Local Artist Award and two People’s Choice Awards.

Key Dates

13 July 2023 - Between 30 and 40 finalists notified

July – August 2023 - Depot collection deadlines for Finalist artworks. Final dates to be advised.

August 2023 – Finalist artwork with artists profiles uploaded to official website

12 September 2023 – Judging of artwork at GUAM

14 September 2023 – Prize winners announced

14 September 2023 – Awards night and client event (by invitation only). Winners to travel to Brisbane for this event.

14 September - 4 October 2023 – Voting of People’s Choice Award

10 October 2023 – Winner of People’s Choice Awards announced

14 September - 14 October 2023 – Finalist and winning Artwork on display at GUAM in Brisbane

October - November 2023 – Finalist artwork returns to regional depots (unless sold).