MEDIA RELEASE

28 May 2026

Desart warmly congratulates Hetti Perkins on her recognition with the Creative Australia First Nations Arts and Culture Award, Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cultural Advocacy and Leadership honouring her outstanding contribution to First Nations arts and culture nationally and internationally.

A proud Arrernte and Kalkadoon woman, Perkins is one of Australia’s most respected cultural leaders. Across a distinguished career as a curator, writer, and advisor, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the contemporary cultural landscape, advancing First Nations voices and strengthening the visibility, authority, and integrity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

As Head Curator of Desert Mob, Desart’s flagship event, Perkins brings a strong and consistent focus on artist-led storytelling and cultural authority. Under her leadership, Desert Mob continues to foreground the voices of Central Australian desert artists and art centres, with its exhibition, artist talks, and art market reflecting the diversity, strength, and innovation of desert communities.

Perkins’ influence extends across major national and international institutions, where she has curated landmark exhibitions and fostered cultural exchange. Her work has contributed significantly to expanding global understanding of First Nations art and positioning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists as leaders within the international arts sector.

This recognition acknowledges Perkins’ enduring contribution to cultural leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. Her work continues to support artists, strengthen communities, and advance a more inclusive and truthful representation of First Nations cultures, grounded in respect and connection to Country.

In accepting the award, Perkins emphasised the critical role of art centres with whom she has had the privilege of working closely with over the past three decades.

“Art centres are the last frontier — holding the line for culture, community and country. Our network of art centres is unique in the world and not something we can take for granted. They enable artists and their families to live and work in their homelands and provide intergenerational community services that extend far beyond the visual arts. Supporting art centres is about more than art — it’s about a way of life.”

Hetti Perkins, Desart Staff and Desert Mob Co-Curator

“Hetti Perkins has been a steadfast and courageous advocate for First Nations artists and communities. This award recognises her lifelong commitment to cultural authority, truth-telling, and the excellence of our artists. Through Desert Mob and her broader practice, she continues to ensure that the voices of Central Australian desert artists are centred and heard.”

Philip Watkins, Chief Executive Officer, Desart

Desart extends congratulations to all recipients of these prestigious awards:

• Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cultural Advocacy and Leadership: Dr Djambawa Marawili AM
• Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence: Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft
• Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence: Stephen Pigram
• Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts: Hayley Millar Baker
• Established Artist of the Year Award: John Harvey
• First Nations Arts and Culture Business Innovation Award: Letisha Ackland / Balya Productions

Image: Hetti Perkins in front of works, ‘Pereltye’ 2025 by Nancy Long Nungarrayi and Rene Long Nungarrayi of Arlpawe Art & Culture Centre, Desert Mob 2025. Photo: Sara Maiorino. Courtesy Desart.