Donna McNamara Purrula, Fremantle Dockers vs GWS Giants and Western Aranda Bulldogs vs Papunya, 2024. Hand built terracotta and underglazes, 33 x 23cm. Courtesy: the artist, the Hermannsburg Potters, and Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne.

AFL Footy in Aranda Country Award is a jubilant exhibition by the acclaimed Hermannsburg Potters celebrating the passion for AFL in Aranda Country in Central Australia, coinciding with the AFL 2024 Indigenous Round.

Honouring heroes of the game such as Nicky Winmar and Adam Goodes, and both national and community AFL teams, including the beloved Western Aranda Bulldogs, this exhibition of vibrant hand-crafted terracotta and underglaze pots showcases work by both master and emerging Hermannsburg Potters.

Exhibited artists include Judith Pungarta Inkamala, Anita Mbitjana Ratara, Dawn Ngala Wheeler, Rona Panangka Rubuntja, Hayley Panangka Coulthard, Andrea Pungarta Rontji, Abel Pareroultja, Rex Pareroultja, Dalissa Brown, Donna McNamara Purrula, Michelle Pareroultja, Josie Fly and Shirley Wheeler.

The AFL Footy in Aranda Country Award is a $5,000 non-acquisitive award established to encourage both master and emerging potters at Ntaria/Hermannsburg and acknowledge the enduring connection between Australia’s national sport and the communities of Central Australia. Myles Russell-Cook, Senior Curator of Australian and First Nations Art the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has accepted the invitation to select the winning ceramic in the exhibition, which will be donated to the NGV Collection.

Opening Event: Saturday 11 May, 1pm – 4pm, including winner’s announcement.