Opportunities

The Nupiri-ti Palawa Artist Register of Interest is now open

Tasmanian Aboriginal (Palawa and Pakana) artists and artist-teams are now invited to register their interest in participating in Nupiri-ti Palawa 2027.

Successful artists will receive: 

  • A commissioning fee for initial concept development and materials
  • Mentor support to develop new skills (optional) 
  • NAVA standard artist fee for exhibiting work as part of the festival (this fee will be negotiated between each artist and depend on the scale of the project and whether it is a solo or group show)
  • Paid opportunities for speaking and presenting as part of public programs.

Registrations close Tuesday 25 August 2026.

Aboriginal art is a vital part of Australia’s cultural identity.

Nupiri-ti Palawa celebrates the work of Palawa artists across our islands who are supported to present work at scale, with visibility and respect. 

Nupiri-ti Palawa commissions can be in any art form, from traditional cultural practices to contemporary art, including storytelling dance and song.

You can apply with a project idea at any stage of development or just tell us a bit about your art practice and what you want to do. We will work with you to realise your work for presentation in November 2027. 

Aspects of the program may continue to evolve through continued consultation and collaboration.

Taking place over four weeks in November 2027, Nupiri-ti Palawa Art Festival will bring together commercial, community, and council-owned galleries and art spaces across Lutruwita (Tasmania) to showcase, platform, and celebrate the work of Palawa artists working across a range of artforms, providing a highly visible platform for Palawa stories and cultural expressions. 

Apply now using the button below, or contact us at nupiritipalawa@ccc.tas.gov.au if you have any questions or would like help with your application.

Register Now

FAQs

How are artists selected?

After completing and submitting the Registration of Interest form, artists will be assessed and selected by a panel made up of Palawa Cultural Advisors and supported by the Nupiri-ti Palawa team.

Can I contact the Nupiri-ti Palawa team if I have questions? 

Yes! Contact us at nupiritipalawa@ccc.tas.gov.au.

Can I sell work through the gallery I am paired with? 

Any commercial arrangement you enter into with a gallery is separate to the festival, however you can get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns.

Here are some resources to help artists navigate commercial galleries and representation:

Can I register my interest with a project that I’ve already started working on?

Nupiri-ti Palawa commissions either new work or a significant presentation of existing work that hasn’t been shown before.

If you are already in conversation with a gallery or planning a project for November 2027 that you would like to be included in Nupiri-ti Palawa, just can let us know in your application.

If you’re unsure whether your work is eligible, get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to advise you.

Can a gallery apply on behalf of an artist they are working with?

In order to support self-determination, applications need to come from artists themselves.

If you’re an artist with an existing project or relationship with a gallery (or vice-versa), please get in touch and we can give you advice on how to register.

Will someone from Nupiri-ti Palawa help me with my work? 

Talk to us about what you would like to do, and we will try to find the right support to help you realise your project.

Do I have to find the gallery for my project? 

The Nupiri-ti Palawa team and presenting gallery partners will pair each artist or artist team with spaces that are a good fit for their projects. Feel free to make suggestions.

I am a Palawa artist, but I don’t live in Lutruwita Tasmania. Can I still apply? 

Yes, you can still apply if you currently do not reside in Lutruwita.

What is a NAVA Standard Artist Fee

NAVA stands for the National Association for the Visual Arts and is the national advocacy body for artists. NAVA publish a Code of Practice that includes minimum standards for artist fees. You can find out more about these fees, and the Code of Practice, here:

This fee will be negotiated between each artist and depend on the scale of the project, the space and whether it is a solo or group show.