The Awards recognise sustained artistic practice and cultural exchange across the region, including collaborations with First Nations, Māori, Pasifika and Asian communities.
CEO Adrian Collette AM said:
"The Asia-Pacific Arts Awards recognise artists and organisations whose work reflects long-term cultural leadership and sustained creative relationships across our region.
"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."
Director of International Zainab Syed said:
"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.
"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 (R//R)
Threshold
Connect
ArtPlay
Cypher Culture
Encounter Theatre Inc
Liquid Architecture
Performing Lines Tasmania
Inspire - Individuals, Collectives and Groups
Avra Banerjee
Elyas Alavi
Hand to Earth
Leyla Stevens
Tian Zhang
Inspire - Organisations
Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts (Asia TOPA 2025)
Australian Art Orchestra (AAO) - Ane Te Abia
Bangarra Dance Theatre - Horizon
Mulgrave Gallery - The Invisible Line: Stories, Legends and Past Connections
Patch Theatre - ZOOOM
