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Inspiring Connections: Announcing the finalists of Creative Australia’s inaugural Asia Pacific Arts Awards

Creative Australia has announced the finalists of the Asia Pacific Arts Awards, being stewarded for the first time by Creative Australia in 2024. 

The Awards recognise the work of remarkable Australian artists, organisations and groups connecting with the Asia Pacific, and promote continued engagement with the region.  

Executive Director of Arts Investment, Alice Nash, said: 

“We are excited to announce the 30 finalists of these awards, being held for the first time this year as one of the initiatives of the Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy: Revive.  

“This impressive group of finalists demonstrate the capacity of art to connect us – across language and geographical borders. We look forward to honouring and celebrating their contributions in April.” 

An independent panel of industry advisors will select the award recipients from across five categories, who will share in a prize pool of $125,000. The award recipients will be announced during a ceremony at Sydney’s Riverside Theatre on 23 April. 

Finalists for the Impact award, recognising an artist, group/collective or organisation that has made a significant impact on audiences or communities across Australia and the Asia Pacific region, include: 

  • Chun Yin Rainbow Chan 
  • S. Shakthidharan  
  • Priya Srinivasan 
  • Annette Shun Wah 
  • William Yang 
  • Grace Heifetz 

Finalists for the Innovation award: celebrating an artist, group/collective or organisation that has developed new and unique ways of building creative connections across Australia and the Asia Pacific region include: 

  • Women’s Wealth (QAGOMA) 
  • Australia-Taiwan First Nations Art Exchange 2023 (Sophie McIntyre) 
  • Hi Viz Satellites (Chamber Made) 
  • Portside Review (Centre for Stories) 
  • Hyphenated Projects 
  • Australian Art Orchestra 

Finalists for the Inspire (Individuals, Collectives, Groups) award, recognising an Australian artist or group/collective for a project or significant body of work developed or shared across the Asia Pacific, include: 

  • Club Até 
  • Zoe Butt, Thailand 
  • Mayu Kanamori 
  • Luke George and Daniel Kok 
  • Monica Lim 
  • Kimberley Moulton 
  • Hoda Afshar 

Finalists for the Inspire (Organisations) award, recognising an organisation for a project or significant body of work developed or shared across the Asia Pacific region. 

  • Chamber Made 
  • QAGOMA (Asia Pacific Triennial APT 10) 
  • Marrugeku 
  • Restless Dance Theatre 
  • Gamelan DanAnda 
  • Contemporary Asian Australian Performance  

Finalists for the Connect award, recognising an organisation delivering an intersectional program to diverse audiences in Australia.  

  • Arab Theatre Studio 
  • Moogahlin Performing Arts 
  • Arts House (2023) 
  • SalamFest  
  • OzAsia Festival (2021 – 2023) 

Read more about the finalists on the Creative Australia website