Tony Albert appointed Artistic Director of 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial

Established in 2007, the National Indigenous Art Triennial has grown into one of Australia’s most prominent and successful contemporary art events, attracting over 450,000 visitors across 11 locations nationwide, celebrating the diversity and dynamism of First Nations art.

Tony Albert, an artist of Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku-Yalanji descent, has been appointed as the first artist to lead the Triennial. Recognised for his critical engagement with the cultural misrepresentation of First Nations people, Albert addresses both personal and collective histories, striving to correct and draw attention to injustices through his multidisciplinary practice.

Albert will bring new perspectives and intention to his presentation – After The Rain, where he hopes to celebrate intergenerational legacies by working closely with First Nations artists to present new immersive projects that resonate with the idea of rebirth and cycles of cleansing. This approach marks a departure from previous Triennials, which were curated by First Nations curators. The most recent, Ceremony, curated by Hetti Perkins (Arrernte and Kalkadoon peoples) in 2022, highlighted the integral role of ceremony in connecting Country, culture, and community, and was viewed by over 135,000 visitors across six locations in Australia.

Albert’s international and national exhibitions, including his role as the inaugural Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow in 2023, underscore his significant contributions to the art world. In this role, he collaborated with 14 artists to realise their works for the Sydney Biennale. Additionally, as a founding member of the Queensland Indigenous art collective proppaNOW, established in 2003, Albert has provided a platform for urban-based Aboriginal artists to express social and cultural issues through art.

Regarding the appointment Tony Albert said: ‘I am thrilled to be appointed Artistic Director of the 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial, over a decade after my work was first exhibited in the Triennial. I’ll be working with leading contemporary artists from around the country to present a new vision – a homage to the culture warriors of the past, present and future.’

Albert’s appointment as Artistic Director of the 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial reflects the National Gallery’s ongoing commitment to elevating First Nations art and amplifying the voices of its artists. His previous participation in Triennial exhibitions, such as unDisclosed (2012) and Defying Empire (2021), highlights the significance of his contributions to the Australian art landscape.

The 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial: After The Rain will open at the National Gallery in Kamberri/Canberra in December 2025, showcasing the works of contemporary First Nations artists from across Australia. Following its debut, the exhibition will embark on a national tour in 2026.