Broken Hill City Art Gallery will celebrate First Nations creativity and connection to Country on Friday 30 October, with the opening of the 2026 Maari Ma Indigenous Art Awards and Palirika Barka Kiira, a solo exhibition by Menindee artist Barb Quayle.
Opening from 6 pm, the evening will include the announcement of this year's Maari Ma Indigenous Art Awards winners and a Lighting Up Culture projection display in the Main Gallery.
Presented in partnership with Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Health Corporation and West Darling Arts, the Maari Ma Indigenous Art Awards recognise the creativity and cultural expression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists living across the Maari Ma and West Darling Arts region.
All entries will be displayed in the exhibition, bringing together emerging and established artists, young people and school groups through a wide range of artistic practices, personal stories and connections to Country.
This year's awards offer $16,000 in cash prizes and $3,500 in art prize packs, including $5,000 for the Overall Winner. Categories recognise two-dimensional and sculptural works, emerging artists, Nhuungku artists, young artists and school collaborations, alongside a People's Choice award.
The Gallery will welcome guest judge Bibi Barba, a proud Aboriginal saltwater woman and cultural leader belonging to the Darumbal, Darkinjung, Cammerygal, Gadigal and Yuin clans.
With an internationally recognised artistic career spanning more than 35 years, Bibi brings extensive experience as an artist and a leading advocate for Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights.
Opening alongside the awards, Barb Quayle's Palirika Barka Kiira invites visitors to experience Country through the eyes of a Barkindji woman, mother, grandmother, cultural Nan, artist and advocate.
Living on ancestral Barkindji Kiira in Menindee, Barb draws on her connections to Ngamaka Kiira (Mother Earth), the Barka (river), and the skies above her. Through jewellery, art and natural materials of Country, she shares stories of healing, resilience and belonging, connecting earth and sky, ancestors and future generations.
Adding another dimension to the opening celebrations, Lighting Up Culture will bring First Nations stories, artwork and creative ideas to life through projection and digital storytelling.
The display coincides with a three-day projection mapping workshop, offering artists opportunities to explore digital content creation, animation and immersive visual presentation. The Main Gallery presentation will give opening-night visitors an opportunity to experience culture and creativity through light and moving image.
Both the 2026 Maari Ma Indigenous Art Awards and Palirika Barka Kiira will continue until 7 February 2027.
The Gallery is also preparing to open Pro Hart - Beyond the Canvas: A Retrospective Exhibition 20 Years On the following week.
Bringing together works from the Gallery's extensive collection, personal objects, art-making materials and community memorabilia, the exhibition will offer a personal insight into Pro's life, practice and enduring connection to Broken Hill. Further opening details will be announced shortly.
Opening night: Friday 30 October 2026, from 6 pm
Exhibitions: 30 October 2026 - 7 February 2027
Venue: Broken Hill City Art Gallery, 404-408 Argent Street, Broken Hill
