KWM launches inaugural Contemporary Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Prize

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) has launched the inaugural King & Wood Mallesons Award - Contemporary Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander (ASTI) Art Prize, to showcase and celebrate the outstanding contribution ATSI artists continue to make to Australian culture.

The firm is honoured to collaborate with Exhibition Patron, highly accomplished curator, writer and artist Djon Mundine OAM, and an expert judging panel including artist Vernon Ah Kee and curators Sharni Jones and Cara Pinchbeck.

KWM Chief Executive Partner, Australia, Berkeley Cox said; "The Art Prize and Exhibition is one of the key ways we are demonstrating our commitment to achieving meaningful reconciliation and empowerment, and in creating opportunities of impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities." 

An exhibition of shortlisted finalists will be held from September 5 – 27 2018 in the NSW Parliament's Fountain Court, including the Reconciliation Wall, with three prizes to be awarded to ATSI artists. 

Prizes include the King & Wood Mallesons Contemporary ATSI Art Prize valued at $25,000, a $5,000 NSW Local Artist Award and a People's Choice Award, valued at $2,000. Several Highly Commended awards may also be announced.

KWM has further refreshed and built on its reconciliation commitment, with the launch of the firm's second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The new 'Innovate' RAP, which was launched on May 28 in line with National Reconciliation Week, reflects the firm's values and demonstrates KWM's desire to create a country where all people are deeply valued, have access to the support they need and have equal opportunities to flourish.

"As a market leading firm we understand our responsibility to demonstrate leadership on reconciliation, a complex and important issue that has confronted Australia for generations. We are therefore invested in making a real connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups and individuals, through initiatives such as the KWM Contemporary ASTI Art Prize and our pro bono legal services, skilled volunteering and philanthropic support," said Berkeley Cox.