The National Indigenous Music Awards will return to Garamilla / Darwin for its 22nd edition, with nominations now open for First Nations artists across the country.
The awards will be held at the Darwin Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 8, with tickets going on sale this Friday.
Nominations are open across six categories: Artist of the Year, Best New Talent, Album of the Year, Film Clip of the Year, Community Clip of the Year and Song of the Year.
The NIMAs are one of the key events on the national music calendar, recognising First Nations artists across established, emerging and community music spaces.
The 2026 ceremony will feature live performances, awards and cultural discussion, with organisers again placing First Nations music at the centre of a broader week of arts and cultural events in the Top End.
The event will take place during a week that also includes the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards, which will run between August 5 and 11.
MusicNT Chairperson Catherine Satour said the awards remained an important national platform for First Nations artists.
"The National Indigenous Music Awards are a powerful celebration of First Nations music, culture and community," Ms Satour said.
"On behalf of MusicNT, we are proud to see the NIMAs return to Garramilla in 2026, shining a national spotlight on the talent and leadership of Indigenous artists across the country."
Recent NIMAs alumni include 2025 Hall of Fame inductee Jessica Mauboy, BARKAA and 3%.
Submissions can be made now with further announcements, including the event line-up, expected to be released later this year.
