Leading artists the recipients of the 2024 Creative Australia Awards 

Creative Australia has announced the 11 leading artists to receive 2024 Creative Australia Awards.

For the first time this year, the awards proudly include the National Arts and Disability Awards, celebrating the contributions of artists to their fields and the cultural life of the nation.

Among the recipients, Western Sydney based visual artist Emmanuel Asante is recognised for his work in community arts and cultural development. Emmanuel draws from his experience as a young Ghanaian-Australian and mental health advocate to empower communities.

The National Arts and Disability Awards recognise both established and early career artists, including multi-disciplinary artist, DJ and disability advocate Riana Head-Toussaint.

Eminent writer Gail Jones receives the award for Lifetime Achievement in Literature, recognising her impressive body of work, and her ongoing mentoring of young writers.

Congratulating the winners, Creative Australia Chief Executive, Adrian Collette stated “it is our immense honour to celebrate these remarkable artists whose work is making an impact in communities across the nation. Each of the recipients contributes their unique voice to our cultural story. We are especially pleased to combine these awards with the celebration of the National Arts and Disability Award recipients, recognising the contributions of artists with disability alongside their peers, and making this a truly momentous celebration of Australia’s rich creative talent and stories.”

The recipients are:

• Emmanuel Asante (Creative Australia Kirk Robson Award for Community Arts and Cultural Development, under 30)
• Amanda Brown (Creative Australia Don Banks Music Award)
• Amanda Cachia (National Arts and Disability Established Artist)
• Patrick Carter (National Arts and Disability Early Career Artist)
• Claudia Chidiac (Creative Australia Award for Ros Bower Community Arts and Cultural Development, Established)
• Megan Cope (Creative Australia Award for Emerging and Experimental Arts)
• Martin del Amo (Creative Australia Award for Dance
• Riana  Head-Toussaint (National Arts and Disability Early Career Artist)
• Andrea James (Creative Australia Award for Theatre)
• Gail Jones (Creative Australia Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literature)
• Guan Wei (Creative Australia Award for Visual Arts)

The 2024 Awards were presented during an intimate ceremony at Bankstown Arts Centre on Thursday 14th November.

Image: Members of the audience at the 2024 Creative Australia Awards.