Vincent Lingiari Art Award 2026

The prestigious Vincent Lingiari Art Award returns celebrating 50 years of Land Rights!

Desart and the Central Land Council are proud to join in partnership to present the fourth edition of the nationally renowned Vincent Lingiari Art Award (VLAA). 

Through the exhibition theme of Our Country, Our Culture: 50 Years of Land Rights, the VLAA celebrates the momentous 50th anniversary of the passing of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976. This significant piece of social reform saw the establishment of the Northern Territory’s land councils and allowed them to claim more than half of the Northern Territory back for the traditional owners.

In 2026, the VLAA offers a major prize of $10,000 to the most outstanding artwork in the exhibition, the Central Land Council Delegates Choice Award of $2,000, and the Desart People’s Choice Award of $2,000.

This year, the VLAA exhibition coincides with Desert Mob 2026. Winners will be announced on Thursday 10 September during the official opening celebrations commencing from 5PM at the Araluen Arts Centre.

The VLAA exhibition opens at 10 am on Monday 17 August and will also be viewable online here.  

Works will be available to purchase in person from Thursday 10 September during the official Desert Mob opening night celebrations. Along with the Desert Mob Exhibition, works will be available to purchase online from 9 am (ACST) on Friday 11 September.

For more information, head to www.desertmob.com.

Vincent Lingiari Art Award is proudly presented by Desart and the Central Land Council in Mparntwe, on Arrernte Country.