Territory's brightest performing arts talent celebrated at 2026 NT Performing Arts Awards, held for the first time as part of Darwin Festival.
Inaugural Ted Egan Regional Award, named for the former NT Administrator, musician and author, was presented to Central Australian artist Gleny Rae.
Government to support awards for three years with $200,000 grant.
The Northern Territory's brightest performing arts talent has been celebrated at the 2026 NT Performing Arts Awards, held for the first time as part of Darwin Festival.
Hosted at the INPEX Sunset Stage in Festival Park, the awards recognised the artists, performers, educators, producers and arts workers who bring the Territory's unique creative spirit to life.
More than 100 nominations were received, with 32 finalists shortlisted across the awards.
The inaugural Ted Egan Regional Award was presented to Central Australian artist Gleny Rae, recognising her outstanding contribution to music education, performance and community arts across the region.
Minister for Arts Jinson Charls said bringing the awards into the Darwin Festival program was a major step forward for the Territory's arts sector.
"For the first time, the NT Performing Arts Awards have been held as part of Darwin Festival, giving Territory artists and arts workers an even greater platform to celebrate their achievements," Minister Charls said.
"This new partnership puts the incredible talent of our Territory artists alongside some of Australia's leading cultural experiences and gives even more people the chance to discover and celebrate what we do here.
"The introduction of the Ted Egan Regional Award ensures the outstanding contribution of artists in regional and remote communities is recognised alongside excellence across the wider performing arts sector.
"From inaugural recipient Gleny Rae to Ultimate Legend David McMicken, this year's winners reflect the talent, dedication and lasting impact of the people who strengthen the Territory's cultural life.
"I congratulate every finalist and award recipient - your creativity, passion and commitment make the Territory a more vibrant place to live, work and visit."
The partnership between the Northern Territory Government and Darwin Festival will see the Government invest $200,000 over three years to support delivery of the NT Performing Arts Awards.
The prestigious Production of the Year award went to Wuyal's Journey, a powerful collaboration between Rirratjingu songman Banula Marika and composer Netanela Mizrahi, commissioned by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra.
Mizrahi was also recognised with two awards - the Behind the Scenes - Creative Award and Inspiring Educator Award.
Dance leader David McMicken received the Ultimate Legend Award, recognising more than four decades of leadership and contribution to dance in the Northern Territory and across Australia.
Alyson Evans was named Performer of the Year for her powerful performance in Iphigenia in Splott, while Amalia Baker received the Young Achiever Award for her leadership and contribution to youth dance in the Territory.
Brad Fawcett received the Behind the Scenes - Production Award for his long-standing contribution to Territory performing arts, while Hannah Illingworth took home the Impact Award for her leadership in creating opportunities for independent and emerging artists through the Darwin Fringe Festival.
The 2026 People's Choice Award went to dancer Anuhas Methnuka Bandara Rathnayake, attracting an impressive 1,802 votes overall.
The awards also marked the launch of the NT Arts Strategy Action Plan 2026-2030, the first five-year action plan delivering the vision of the NT Arts Strategy 2034.
The Action Plan moves the strategy from vision to delivery, setting out practical actions to strengthen arts and culture across the Territory over the next five years.
2026 NT Performing Arts Awards recipients:
Production of the Year: Wuyal's Journey - Banula Marika and Netanela MizrahiPerformer of the Year: Alyson EvansYoung Achiever Award: Amalia BakerBehind the Scenes - Creative Award: Netanela MizrahiBehind the Scenes - Production Award: Brad FawcettInspiring Educator Award: Netanela MizrahiImpact Award: Hannah IllingworthTed Egan Regional Award: Gleny RaePeople's Choice Award: Anuhas Methnuka Bandara RathnayakeUltimate Legend Award: David McMicken
