Creative Australia has announced the recipients of the 2025 First Nations Arts and Culture Awards at an intimate ceremony held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Among those honoured were soprano Prof Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, celebrated poet and activist Lionel Fogarty, leading First Nations musician and educator Dr Shelley Morris AO, and cultural arts champion Lily Shearer – all recognised with the prestigious Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement.
The awards, held each year on the anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the opening of National Reconciliation Week, honour First Nations excellence and the outstanding contributions of First Nations artists to arts, culture, and community.
This year marked the expansion of the awards, including three new categories introduced to reflect the growing diversity of First Nations arts leadership across generations and industries.
Gutingarra Yunupingu received the Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts, while Tony Albert was awarded Established Artist of the Year Award. Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre was honoured with the First Nations Arts & Culture Business Innovation Award.
Also acknowledged at the awards were the two recipients of 2025 First Nations Fellowships, including performing arts trailblazer, Ben Graetz and singer/songwriter and music producer, Candice Lorrae.
“These First Nations individuals and organisations represent the strength, depth and diversity of First Nations creative practices across the country,” said Executive Director First Nations Arts and Culture, Franchesca Cubillo.
“We take this moment to congratulate and celebrate these remarkable artists and thank them for leading the way for future generations.”
The Recipients of the 2025 First Nations Arts and Culture Awards are:
Red Ochre Awards for Lifetime Achievement:
For Artistic Excellence:
Prof Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO
Lionel Fogarty
For Cultural Advocacy and Leadership:
Dr Shellie Morris AO
Lily Shearer
Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts:
Gutingarra Yunupingu
Established Artist of the Year Award:
Tony Albert
First Nations Arts & Culture Business Innovation Award:
Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre
The Awards were assessed by an independent panel of First Nations Industry Advisors, with the Red Ochre Awards determined by the Creative Australia First Nations Board. All recipients were nominated by peers and colleagues from across the country.
For more information about the First Nations Arts and Culture Awards, visit: www.creative.gov.au for details.
Image: Prof Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO (sourced)