Skip to main content
Skip to footer Skip to Acknowledgement of Country
National Gallery of Australia
What's On Art & Artists Visit
Login
  1. Home
  2. First Nations

First Nations

Mervyn Bishop, Murri people, Is there an Aboriginal photography?, 1989, 1989, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, Purchased 1998. © Mervyn Bishop/Copyright Agency.

The National Gallery is committed to ensuring First Nations art, artists and culture are at the heart of the national cultural agenda.

  • About
  • Art & Artists
  • Wesfarmers Indigenous Arts Partnership
  • Learn
  • Protocols
  • Acknowledgement

The National Gallery is committed to building and maintaining meaningful relationships with First Nations peoples, artists, communities, organisations and cultures. First Nations art, artists and presences have taken an increasingly prominent role within the Gallery’s artistic and learning programs, while our First Nations Engagement portfolio works internally and with the broader arts industry to consolidate ethical engagement at all levels of the arts ecology while strengthening the position of First Nations art, culture and leadership across the nation.

Reconciliation Action Plan

The Gallery is enthusiastically embarking on our first Innovate RAP. We can’t wait to share our ambitions with you in 2023.

First Nations Advisory Group

In 2022 the Gallery launched an Advisory Group to help guide and provide feedback and advice on our First Nations programs and on all matters concerning First Nations art and culture across our business.

Art & Artists


Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have lived on the continent of Australia for tens of thousands of years. Their art and cultural traditions are among the most enduring in human history and among the most exciting in contemporary society.

The National Gallery is custodian of the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, comprising over 7500 works, which embraces, reflects and amplifies the diversity of First Nations art and culture.

Search the Collection

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art

Search
A large metal sculpture of an Indigenous Australian fish trap is hanging from the ceiling in a large gallery foyer

The Aboriginal Memorial

The Aboriginal Memorial consists of 200 dupun (hollow log coffins) from central Arnhem Land and is one of the most significant works in the National Gallery’s collection, and in Australian art history. It was created in 1987–88, in the lead-up to the Australian Bicentenary, by 43 artists from Ramingining and the surrounding area. Each pole marks one year of occupation and together they stand as a memorial to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lives lost to colonial and ongoing conflict and trauma in Australia from 1788 to 1988.

The path through the installation represents the Glyde River in central Arnhem Land. The poles are located along the river according to their specific homeland.

The Aboriginal Memorial is open in Gallery 9 on Level 1.

More
A photograph showing a section of an installation of 200 painted hollow logs standing upright in a large gallery space. The surrounding walls are painted in a dark colour and the logs are positioned on a navy plinth shaped to resemble both sides of a river bank.

Ramingining artists, Djon Mundine, Bandjalung people, The Aboriginal Memorial, 1987–88, purchased with the assistance of funds from National Gallery admission charges and commissioned in 1987

Exhibitions


See current and upcoming First Nations exhibitions at the Gallery and on tour.

  • Special Event

    The Mulka Project: Djarraṯawun

    3–13 Mar 2023
    Daily, 8–11pm

  • Major Exhibition

    Ngura Pulka – Epic Country

    Upcoming

    3 Jun – 8 Oct 2023

  • Major Exhibition

    Emily Kam Kngwarray

    Upcoming

    2 Dec 2023 – 28 Apr 2024

  • Touring Exhibition

    4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony

    On Tour
    Black and white image

    Araluen Arts Centre, NT
    25 Mar – 11 Jun 2023

  • Touring Exhibition

    Ever Present
    First Peoples Art of Australia

    On Tour

    Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, New Zealand
    29 Jul – 29 Oct 2023

Ceremony


Ceremony is the fourth iteration of the National Indigenous Art Triennial. Learn about the artists and ideas behind the exhibition.

  • Ceremony Curator's Letter

    Hetti Perkins stands in front of two artworks.

    Hetti Perkins, Arrernte/Kalkadoon peoples, Senior Curator-at-Large

    Read Time 25 minutes
  • Article: Madhan warrugarra wirimbirra gulbalanh

    Image of Dr Matilda House and Paul Girrawah House in front of a scar tree

    Ngambri/Ngunnawal Traditional Custodians Dr Aunty Matilda House and her son, Paul Girrawah House

    Read Time 15 minutes
  • Article: Ceremony Artist Profile

    A portrait of Dylan River standing outside.

    Filmmaker and Kaytetye man Dylan River

    Read Time 14 minutes
  • Article: Family Ties

    Photograph of three children with their father holding a sign stating "Aboriginal Affairs"

    Q&A with Hetti Kenmarre Perkins, Arrernte and Kalkadoon peoples

    Read Time 22 minutes

Past Exhibitions

View Exhibition Archive

Collection

Tjanpi Desert Weavers

Two Indigenous Australian woman are on Country sitting with their sculptures of small animals woven from native and dyed grasses

14 Nov 2020 – 4 Jul 2021

Exhibition

3rd National Indigenous Art Triennial: Defying Empire

A painting of many spears

26 May—10 Sep 2017

Exhibition

Belonging
Stories of Australian Art

A black background with white text stating "we grew here"

6 Dec 2019—1 Aug 2021

Exhibition

2nd National Indigenous Art Triennial: unDISCLOSED

white and blue painting of a European graveyard with multicoloured native animals and a group of indigenous peoples around a campfire

11 May—22 Jul 2012

Exhibition

National Indigenous Art Triennial: Culture Warriors

13 Oct 2007—10 Feb 2008

Australian Art

Body Language

A group of eight black and white mimi spirits or Mokuy.

11 May 2019—9 Feb 2020

Exhibition

Earth/Sky

A man stands in front of a pink background wearing a crown of native Australian blossoms covering his eyes

6 Oct 2018—7 Apr 2019

Exhibition

Albert Namatjira
Painting Country

Watercolour landscape featuring a white gum in the foreground and mountain range in background

15 Jul 2017—2 Apr 2018

Wesfarmers Indigenous Arts Partnership


The National Gallery extends a special thanks to Wesfarmers Arts, the National Gallery’s Indigenous Arts Partner, for their extraordinary support of First Nations exhibitions and programs including the 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony, Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia and the Indigenous Arts Leadership and Fellowship Program.

Supported by

  • Wesfarmers Arts

    Visit the website for Wesfarmers Arts
A screen capture of a video, displaying the words Indigenous Arts Leadership Program 2021

Leadership Program

a group of people are walking along a path in the bush, heading towards the camera

Fellowship Program

bird's eye view of green gumleaves in a bucket, gently smoking

This Place: Artist Series


Made possible by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. With thanks to Wesfarmers Arts, the National Gallery's Indigenous Arts Partner.

First Nations /  Video

This Place: Artist Series – Mabel Juli

Video still of artist standing in front of their paintings.

Published 24 February 2020

Senior Gija artist Mabel Juli captures nature, creation stories and history of the Darrajayin country in her traditional paintings.

First Nations /  Video

This Place: Artist Series – Vernon Ah Kee

Video still of artwork up close.

Published 24 February 2020

Follow Vernon Ah Kee as he prepares to paint his grandmother’s portrait and revisits the people and places that shaped him.

First Nations /  Video

This Place: Artist Series – Yvonne Koolmatrie

Video still of artwork up close.

Published 24 February 2020

Master weaver Yvonne Koolmatrie is passionate about preserving the near lost art of Ngarrindjeri weaving.

First Nations /  Video

This Place: Artist Series – Julie Gough

Video still of artwork up close.

Published 24 February 2020

Artist Julie Gough uses her art to bring to life people, places and events from Tasmanian colonial history.

First Nations /  Video

This Place: Artist Series – Ken Thaiday Sr

Video still of artwork.

Published 24 February 2020

Ken Thaiday Snr. is a Torres Strait Island artist renowned for his dance headdresses.


  • Learn


    • First Nations

      Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia
      Learning Resource

      a bright orange, black, red and white dot painting. There is a figure with lots of legs, like a spider, and many circles above and below.

      Learn from seven themes that highlight a selection of exhibition artists who explore culture, history, life, identity, and truth telling.

    • Student Program

      Art Ways of Learning

      Group of Primary school girls standing in front of a work of art

      Developed by First Nations people, this learning program will teach through and about culture.

    • First Nations

      Defying Empire: National Indigenous Art Triennial

      Primary & Secondary Learning Resource

      Learning Resource looks at seven contemporary artists whose work celebrates the resilience of Australia’s Indigenous people.

    • Student Program

      Stories of Australian Art

      Photograph of school children looking at colourful sculpture

      Celebrate the resilience of Indigenous cultures, and the connections between art, people and Country.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols


    The National Gallery is committed to recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural rights and engagement through its Cultural Rights Policy.

    We understand that excellence shouldn’t only exist in the collection. The Gallery acknowledges that excellence is determined by the pursuit of meaningful and genuine collaboration with artists and their communities.

    While we haven’t finalised our Engagement Protocols yet, you can find some templates, guidelines and more in depth information here, developed by the Australia Council for the Arts, and here, developed by the Australian Museums and Galleries Association.

    Ethical Purchase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art

    In many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, art sales are the main source of income. Making sure you always buy ethically and authentically is not just about protecting your investment, it’s about respect for the world’s oldest living culture, ensuring the artists and those around them are paid fairly and securing a sustainable future for Australia’s Indigenous art industry (see Indigenous Art Code).

    Acknowledgement


    Image of Dr Matilda House and Paul Girrawah House in front of a scar tree

    Dr Matilda House and Paul Girrawah House, Ngambri/Ngunnawal peoples, with scar tree, Kamberri/Canberra, 2021 © the artists.

    Developed as part of the 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony the acknowledgement video shown as visitors open the National Gallery website shows Ngambri/Ngunnawal Traditional Custodian Paul Girrawah House undertaking the traditional practice of tree scarring in Kamberri/Canberra, where the bark of a eucalypt is carved or removed to create cultural objects such as shields and coolamons.

    Paul Girrawah House and Dr Aunty Matilda House’s tree scarring Mulanggari yur-wang (alive and strong) will be permanently featured in the National Gallery Sculpture Garden.

    More

    Related


    The Balnaves Contemporary Series

    The red thread of history

    Two women sit on a timber bench, within a gallery space, surrounded by paintings and work of art suspended from the ceiling and walls

    Artists Judy Watson, Waanyi people, and Helen Johnson have forged a dialogue on the roles of women in contemporary and colonial Australia.

    Read Time 20 minutes
    First Nations

    Mind your language

    A wide long photograph / still from a film with a First Nations man, wearing a yellow singlet and black shorts signing

    With the decade of Indigenous Languages beginning in 2022, find out how the Gallery will contribute to this vital global conversation.

    Read Time 19 minutes

    Ceremony Curator's Letter

    Hetti Perkins stands in front of two artworks.

    Hetti Perkins, Arrernte/Kalkadoon peoples, is curator of Ceremony, the 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial.

    Read Time 25 minutes

    Penny Evans
    Studio spotlight

    Penny Evans stands behind a large and full work bench making her artworks

    Ahead of the opening of the '4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony' we visit Kamilaroi/Gomeroi artist Penny Evans in her studio.

    Read Time 9 minutes
    First Nations

    S.J Norman

    Black and white photograph of Koori artist SJ Norman sitting at a table surrounded by animal bones

    Koori artist S.J NORMAN discusses his work 'Bone Library' and collaboration with the National Gallery and community.

    Read Time 28 minutes

    Walk in their shoes
    National Gallery x Volley

    Get to know the First Nations artists commissioned for the National Gallery x Volley project.

    Read Time 20 minutes

    Yuuma, Gurruburri

    The National Gallery acknowledges the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Kamberri/Canberra region, and recognises their continuous connection to culture, community and Country.

    • National Gallery On Demand
    • Art & Artists
    • What's On
    • Visit
    • Membership
    • Donate
    • Jobs
    • About Us

    Connect

    +61 2 6240 6411
    information@nga.gov.au
    Get art in your inbox

    Open every day

    (except Christmas day)
    10am – 5pm

    Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country
    Parkes Place East, Parkes ACT 2600

    View Street Map
    View Gallery Map


    Contact us

    National Gallery of Australia

    Follow the National gallery of Australia on:

    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Website Privacy Website Disclaimer Website Copyright
    Opening Acknowledgment of Country

    The National Gallery acknowledges the First Peoples of this land and recognises their continuous connection to culture, community and Country

    Learn More
    Aerial view of artist Lola Greeno walking along Rocky Beach
    Aerial view of artist Lola Greeno walking along Rocky Beach
      • View All
      • Today
      • Exhibitions
      • On tour
      • Access Programs
      • All Programs
      • On Demand
      • About the Collection
      • Sculpture Garden
      • Kenneth E. Tyler Collection
      • Provenance
      • Conservation
      • Copyright
      • Search the Collection
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Getting Here
      • Parking & Transport
      • Art Store
      • Dining
      • Visiting with Kids
      • Research Library & Archives
      • Admission tickets
      • Browse Stories
      • Browse Videos
      • Podcasts
      • Audio Tours
      • Virtual Tours
      • The Annual
      • Publications
      • Learning Programs
      • For people with access needs
      • For Teachers & Students
      • For Young People
      • For Kids & Families
      • For Adults
      • For Your Community
      • Art Cases
      • Educator Programs
      • Get Involved
      • Membership
      • Voluntary Guides
      • Partnerships
      • Support
      • Donate
    • First Nations
    • Access
    • Art Store
    • Media
    • Venue Hire
    • About Us
    • Contacts