Minister for Arts
Jo Hersey
Minister for Education and Training
Media Release Territory's next generation of creatives take centre stage at Exit Art
14 February 2025
Fifty-nine NT Year 12 students are finalists in the 22nd Exit Art competition, showcasing diverse creative talent
The exhibition runs at MAGNT from 14 February to 31 May 2026, giving students professional gallery exposure
Austin Armstrong received the $13,000 NXT Gen ARTS Grant, empowering emerging artists to strengthen the Territory's creative identity
Fifty-nine of the Northern Territory's most artistic high school students have been recognised as finalists in the annual Exit Art: Contemporary Art competition from the 2025 NT Year 12 exhibition, which officially opened last night at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT).
The awards ceremony showcased outstanding student works spanning painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, film, animation, architecture, fashion and contemporary craft - highlighting the depth of creative talent emerging from Territory classrooms.
Now in its 22nd year, Exit Art provides a professional gallery platform for graduating students, giving them the opportunity to exhibit their work in one of the Territory's leading cultural institutions and connect with industry professionals, educators and the broader community.
With 14 schools from Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs, Katherine and Nhulunbuy represented, the winners selected from the 59 finalists are:
MAGNT Foundation Award - Montefiore Forrest-McMinn, Sound bath 2025.Tactile Arts Craft Award - Viet Tran, Artnwere (dingo) 2025.Darwin Visual Arts Award - Natasha Lee, Intertwined threads of culture 2025.Jacksons Drawing Award - Ashley Samarita, Wake up, dear Taiju 2025.Art Educators of the Northern Territory Award - Tadhg McQuillan Etterah 2025.Art Educators of the Northern Territory Award - Gabriella Sanders, Colours, mess and promises 2025.Darwin Street Art Festival Award - Wren Fisher-Kendell, Amplify her 2025.Australian Teachers of Media NT Award - Sidney Harris, Birds 2025.Minister's Choice Award - presented by the Minister for Education and Training - Sophie Kuswadi, Gone with the wind 2025.NXT Gen ARTS Grant Award - sponsored by ArtsNT and presented by the Minister for Arts - Austin Armstrong. Austin was selected for this award based on the strength of his artistic practice overall, which is represented by two works in the exhibition - Time to wake up, a large format illustration, as well as his 70-page original graphic novella titled Wings.
The $13,000 NXT Gen ARTS program supports long-term career development in the creative industries. The program pairs young emerging artists with Northern Territory arts organisations through paid placements, providing hands-on industry experience and professional mentoring.
The grant includes $10,000 to support the recipient's artistic development and $3,000 to assist the host organisation with mentoring and administration.
The Exit Art exhibition opens to the public on Saturday the 14th of February and runs until 31 May 2026 at MAGNT.
Minister for Arts Jinson Charls said that by investing in emerging artists supports local jobs.
"The Northern Territory is home to extraordinary creative talent, and these finalists demonstrate the confidence, innovation and imagination that will shape our future arts sector."
"Congratulations to every finalist and award recipient. The Territory is incredibly proud of what you have achieved."
Minister for Education and Training Jo Hersey said she was proud to support Exit Art with a yearly sponsorship of $53,000 from the Department of Education and Training.
"Exit Art is a celebration of the creativity, discipline and imagination our students have developed through their schooling," Mrs Hersey said.
"Our schools and teachers play a vital role in nurturing creative confidence, Programs like Exit Art give students the opportunity to see their work recognised in a professional gallery setting - an experience that can shape future study and career choices."
Adam Worrall, MAGNT Director said: "Exit Art is a highlight for MAGNT, offering an exciting opportunity for young creatives to show their works to the broader community and for visitors to gain an insight into the extraordinary talent we have on offer in the NT. This year we have a record number of artworks on show, which represent dedication, risk-taking, curiosity and creative confidence.
"MAGNT is proud to be able to support the exceptional talent on display and I congratulate all winners and finalists for this significant achievement. We would also like to thank our long-running sponsors who have helped make the recognition of these artists possible.
"I invite you to come and see this incredible exhibition and the diversity of skill on offer, showcasing the very best of contemporary art and design from our next generation of creatives."
