A powerful work called Medicine man has claimed one of the nation’s most significant Indigenous art prizes, with Kieron Anderson named winner of the $20,000 Major Award at the 2026 Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award in Lismore.
Levi Roberts took out the inaugural $3,000 Youth Award.
Anderson said he was incredibly honoured and humbled by the win.
“As a Quandamooka man, my practice is deeply rooted in Country, my Ancestors, my family and the generations of cultural knowledge that have shaped who I am,” Anderson said.
“I see my Medicine man artwork as an extension of the stories and knowledge that have been passed down to me.”
“To have this work recognised is incredibly meaningful.”
Presented by Lismore Regional Gallery, the biennial award has grown into a nationally recognised platform for contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. It draws artists from across Australia and puts Lismore at the centre of a major celebration of First Nations creativity, culture, and storytelling.
This year’s field was exceptional, with established and emerging artists working across painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, ceramics, moving image, and fibre art.
“The quality of work presented in this year’s exhibition has been extraordinary and demonstrates the strength, diversity and innovation of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art being created across Australia,” said Lismore Regional Gallery Acting Director Susi Muddiman OAM.
Muddiman said the calibre of the finalists reflected the award’s growing national significance.
“To welcome artists from across the country to exhibit in Lismore reinforces the important role this award plays in providing a national platform for First Nations artists while bringing nationally significant cultural experiences to regional audiences,” she said.
Koori Mail, which provides major support for the award, said it continued to create meaningful opportunities for First Nations artists to share their stories with audiences across Australia.
“Every Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award brings together an extraordinary collection of First Nations artistic talent,” said Koori Mail Cultural Lead Trevor Kapeen.
“We congratulate this year’s winners and finalists and thank every artist who has contributed to making this exhibition such a powerful and inspiring showcase of contemporary Indigenous art.”
Speaking at the award opening, Jasmine Knight-Smith said the gallery was much more than an exhibition space.
“As a Councillor, I am proud of Lismore Regional Gallery and the important role it plays in our community and across the region,” Knight-Smith said.
“The Gallery is a vital regional asset, one that brings people together and helps shape the cultural identity of our region.”
The award is also supported by Hurford Hardwood, Friends of Lismore Regional Gallery, and Lismore City Council.
The winning works are part of the 2026 Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award exhibition, which features finalists from across Australia. Many of the artworks on display are for sale, giving visitors a rare chance to collect contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art from leading and emerging artists.
Exhibition details:
- What: 2026 Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award Exhibition
- When: Saturday, 7 November to Sunday, 14 February 2027
- Where: Lismore Regional Gallery, 11 Rural Street, Lismore
- Entry: Free
For Anderson, the win belongs to more than just him.
“I don’t see this as an individual achievement, but as recognition of the strength of our Ancestors, our culture and the stories that continue to live through us,” he said.
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