HIGHLY COMMENDED: Blak Dot Gallery for EXCHANGE ngunggilanha . yunggama . taonga tauhokohoko

2026 Museums & Galleries Awards

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Blak Dot Gallery for EXCHANGE ngunggilanha . yunggama . taonga tauhokohoko 

Judges’ comments: A beautiful and important exhibition that challenges systems through creative expression, truth telling, and cultural authority. Each artist addresses very different but equally important issues and experiences of First Nations persons and communities. The innovative approach to exhibition development analyses western systems, reframing the conceptual underpinning of 'exchange' to the Indigenous methodology of relationality—working to reframe curatorial practice itself. There is a strong demonstrated impact for emerging writers and artists, with impressive reach for local communities through an independent gallery.

EXCHANGE is a group exhibition featuring a dynamic new body of work by eight First Nations artists based in Naarm (Melbourne), Victoria: Maree Clarke, Lisa Couzens, Vicki Couzens, Kirsten Garner Lyttle, Brian Martin, Yhonnie Scarce, Frances Tapueluelu, and Wani Toaishara. Each artist has navigated industry and policy on their own terms, forging practices deeply rooted in culture, history, and mutuality. Curated by: Kimba Thompson & Catherine Hunt