Creative Australia has announced the 30 artists, collectives and organisations shortlisted for the 2026 Asia Pacific Arts Awards, recognising Australian-based practice and collaboration across the Asia Pacific region.
The Awards recognise sustained artistic practice and cultural exchange across the region, including collaborations with First Nations, Māori, Pasifika and Asian communities.
“The Asia-Pacific Arts Awards recognise artists and organisations whose work reflects long-term cultural leadership and sustained creative relationships across our region,” said Creative Australia CEO Adrian Collette AM.
“This year’s shortlist highlights the depth of Australian practice engaging with Asia and the Pacific through collaboration, shared knowledge and creative exchange developed over many years,” said Mr Collette.
“This year’s shortlist reflects the many ways artists and organisations build meaningful connections across the Asia-Pacific through collaboration, trust and shared cultural knowledge,” said Creative Australia Director of International Zainab Syed.
“The Awards recognise sustained practice and cultural leadership, and we are thrilled to celebrate the rich legacy and deep impact of their collaborations across the region over time.”
Nominations for the 2026 awards were open to the public. Shortlisted nominees were assessed by panels of independent industry advisors representing a mix of artforms, cultural backgrounds and professional expertise.
Recipients in each category will be announced at an awards ceremony in Perth on Monday 23 February 2026, taking place alongside the Australian Performing Arts Market and Perth Festival.
Each recipient will receive $25,000 in recognition of their artistic practice and contribution to long-term cultural exchange across the region.
Asia Pacific Arts Awards 2026 shortlist:
Legacy:
Arts & Cultural Exchange (ACE)
Brian Castro
Dr Chandrabhanu Haroon
Vipoo Srivilasa
William Yang
Impact:
Marrugeku
Aunty Sana Balai
Small Island Big Song
Winnie Dunn
Yuriyal Bridgeman
Innovation:
Chamber Made with CultureLink Singapore
Critical Path (for work by curator Matt Cornell)
Haji Oh
Regional//Regional– Asialink Arts & Culture
Threshold
Connect:
ArtPlay
Cypher Culture
Encounter Theatre Inc
Liquid Architecture
Performing Lines Tasmania
Inspire – Individuals, Groups and Collectives:
Avra Banerjee
Elyas Alavi
Hand to Earth
Leyla Stevens
Tian Zhang
Inspire – Organisations:
Australian Art Orchestra
Asia TOPA
Bangarra Dance Theatre Australia Ltd
Mulgrave Gallery
Patch Theatre
For more information about the 2026 Asia Pacific Arts Awards and the Nominees, visit: www.creative.gov.au for details.
Image: Hand to Earth – photo by Olio Sansom