Recipients of the Asia Pacific Arts Awards 2026 were announced last night in Boorloo/Perth, celebrating Australian-based artists, collectives and organisations whose work demonstrates a long-term commitment to creative collaboration across the region.

Six artists and organisations were recognised for sustained artistic partnerships and cultural exchange across the Asia Pacific.

In the Legacy category, photographer and performance-maker William Yang was honoured for his decades-long contribution to cross-cultural storytelling. The Impact Award went to Small Island Big Song, the acclaimed music collective connecting Indigenous artists from island nations across the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Asia Pacific Arts Awards 2026 Recipients at Government House Ballroom, WA. Photo © Pia (P.S. Smile Production)

The Innovation Award was presented to Indonesian-born Australian artist Haji Oh. In the Connect category, ENCOUNTER Theatre was recognised for fostering international partnerships and intercultural performance exchange.

The Inspire Award for Individuals, Groups and Collectives went to Hand to Earth, whose collaborations draw together First Nations Australian, Korean and Mongolian musical traditions. The Inspire Award for Organisations was awarded to Asia TOPA, the triennial festival dedicated to Asia-Pacific performance and contemporary culture.

Chief executive of Creative Australia, Adrian Collette, said the recipients reflect the strength and depth of Australia’s creative engagement in the region.

“The recipients of the Asia Pacific Arts Awards 2026 exemplify the depth of creative leadership that exists across Australia’s engagement with the region,” Collette said. “We are proud to recognise practices that strengthen cultural relationships and contribute so significantly to Australia’s cultural life.”