arts

AIATSIS calls for First Nations women artists to design 2025 International Women’s Day poster

Phoebe Blogg - January 22, 2025

Rachael Sarra, Goreng, and Charlotte Allingham, Wiradjuri, Ngiyampaa joint artwork for AIATSIS 2021 International Women's Day Poster. (Image: AIATSIS)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised the following posters may contain images of deceased people and culturally sensitive information.

In celebration of International Women's Day, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) has called for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to design a powerful and inspiring poster.

AIATSIS is encouraging all creative and eager artistic First Nations women to step forward and apply.

*AIATSIS engaged Leah Cummins, a proud Mayi-Kulan and Kalkadoon artist from North Western Queensland to design the AIATSIS International Women's Day Poster for 2024. (Image: AIATSIS)*

This year's theme #AccelerateAction, strives to highlight the urgent need for greater gender equality.

At the current rate, achieving full gender parity will take 134 years – five generations. This theme is a call to act now, to demand justice and equality for all women over many lifetime's.

AIATSIS also acknowledges the deep intersectionality that shapes the lives and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Achieving gender equality is more than reaching parity; it's about justice and the lengthy process of amplifying voices that have been silenced for far too long.

*AIATSIS engaged Brisbane Artist Kimberley Engwicht to design the AIATSIS International Women's Day Poster for 2023*. *(Image: AIATSIS)*

When it comes to what entrants artwork should embody and reflect those applying are encouraged to ensure that their artwork honours the spirit of Blak women – mothers, nans, aunties, sisters, daughters, cousins, and friends whose voices remain unbroken and whose leadership shines.

With the selected artist receiveing a one-off payment of $5,000, all applicants are being encouraged to put their best foot forward and let their creative flair truly speak for itself.

The winning poster will be available free of charge from the AIATSIS Shop, or alternatively the public will be able to pick up a copy of the poster from the Maraga building in Acton and from the new AIATSIS facility in Mparntwe (Alice Springs).

Viewed as an opportunity to to make a statement, celebrate strength, and accelerate action, AIATSIS are expecting to see an amazing cohort of First Nations artists put forward their work and take part in this opportunity

Competition closes on Friday the 31st of January 2025 at 5:00pm AEDT.