The National NAIDOC Poster Competition, an iconic element of National NAIDOC Week, is set to return again in 2025.
With a rich and significant history beginning in 1967 when the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) first began producing posters, the competition has great value amongst both mob and many within the arts sector.
NAIDOC posters have been exhibited by various Australian cultural institutions including the National Museum of Australia and reflect not only the many significant social changes that have occurred since 1967, but also the evolution of Indigenous art.
Each year the National NAIDOC Poster Competition encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists aged 16 years and over to submit their artwork which reflects that year's National NAIDOC Week theme.
The competition's 2025 theme is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.
This year's theme is described as celebrating the achievements of the past and the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of ancestors.
The theme recognises a movement that endures, grows, and evolves—driven by the unwavering strength of communities, the shared vision of people, and the enduring legacy passed on to those who will shape the future.
National NAIDOC Committee co-chair, Steven Satour, shared his thoughts on this year's theme and the Week's 25th milestone.
"NAIDOC Week 2025 marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience," Mr Satour said.
"The theme celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors.
Mr Satour said each NAIDOC week reinforces the vision for an Australia where First Nations voices are not only heard but are at the table and leading the way.
"The NAIDOC journey began as a movement for recognition and rights of First Nation peoples, sparked by Indigenous communities who saw a future built on justice and equality." he said.
"As we commemorate this 50-year legacy, we also look forward, honouring the next generation who will carry the torch, shaping the future with courage, insight, and deep respect for our roots."
Acting as much more than just an artistic opportunity, the competition also provides artists with a platform to be seen and heard by thousands.
In recent years, the National NAIDOC Poster Competition winning artists have been afforded numerous opportunities to work with organisations such as the Australian Open, Microsoft, The Project television show and various state travel authorities who have wrapped public transport vehicles in the winning artwork.
The National NAIDOC Committee now invites any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individual or group, aged 16 and over to submit their artwork for the competition.
Entries for this year's poster competition are now being accepted, closing Sunday 23 February, 2025.
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