The Northern Territory's most electrifying performers, creatives and cultural leaders took centre stage last night as the winners of the 2025 NT Performing Arts Awards were revealed at a celebration at the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre (GYRACC) in Katherine.
From show-stopping productions to emerging artists and behind-the-scenes masters, this year's Awards showcased the extraordinary breadth and depth of the Territory's performing arts sector.
Minister for Arts, Jinson Charls, congratulated all finalists and winners for their dedication to strengthening the Arts sector.
"The Finocchiaro CLP Government is proud to champion our arts sector. Our arts organisations deliver an extraordinary impact - reaching 261,000 audience members, employing more than 600 Territorians, engaging 12,000 artists, and securing over $23 million in leveraged investment. That's something to be proud of.
"This year we invested $7.849 million to support 201 arts activities, including 95 led by independent artists and arts workers. We also extended multi-year operational funding to 29 arts organisations, adding 6 new organisations, expanding opportunities across the NT," said Mr Charls.
Spanning theatre, dance, music, circus and comedy, the Awards recognised both artistic excellence and powerful community impact across the NT.
2025 NT Performing Arts Awards winners:
People's Choice Award - Lisa PellegrinoProduction of the Year - Antidote, Tracks DancePerformer of the Year - Lisa PellegrinoYoung Achiever Award - Levi Nichaloff, known as Yung MillaBehind the Scenes - Creative - James Mangohig, known as Kuya JamesBehind the Scenes - Production - Matthew CunliffeInspiring Educator - Lynne Hanton OAM, Australian Dance AcademyImpact Award - Kate Stephens, Darwin Symphony OrchestraUltimate Legend Award - Lynne Hanton OAM, Australian Dance Academy
This year's Awards attracted 64 nominations across nine categories, with 29 finalists selected for their outstanding contribution to the Territory's creative life.
The celebrations formed part of the 2025 Meeting of Arts Professionals (MAP) - held in Katherine for the first time. Hosted by Arts NT, MAP brings together artists, organisations and industry leaders for two days of leadership building, deep discussion and sector-wide collaboration.
Established in 2019 by the We3 Alliance - Brown's Mart Arts, Tracks Dance and Corrugated Iron Youth Arts - the Awards have become a flagship celebration of Territory talent. Since 2023, they have been proudly presented by the Northern Territory Government, recognising excellence across dance, music, theatre, musical theatre, opera, circus, physical theatre and comedy.
With a strong focus on elevating local talent and inspiring the next generation, the Awards continue to honour the Territory's bold, diverse and uniquely powerful creative voices.
