Next stop Canberra after Ikuntji Art Centre wins NT exporter of the year 2024

Awards showcasing the best of what the NT brings to the world have given the top gong to an art centre renowned for its vivid textiles and bold paintings. SEE ALL THE WINNERS.

The Ikuntji Art Centre has been named NT exporter of the year. Picture: Supplied

Vivid textiles, bold paintings and stunning accessories have won Ikuntji Art Centre the Northern Territory’s exporter of the year.

Ikuntji Artists, based at Haasts Bluff, 230km west of Alice Springs, was the first art centre established by women in the Western Desert Art Movement in 1992.

It has now won top honours at this year’s Chief Minister’s NT Export Awards.

The nominees represented a broad range of sectors including agriculture, international education, creative industries, professional services, and advanced manufacturing.

Ikuntji Art Centre has won Exporter of the Year at the 2024 Chief Ministers NT Export Awards. Picture: Supplied/Naomi Rahim.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Northern Territory was home to a growing number of

innovative and high-achieving businesses.

“International trade is a major driver for economic growth and these awards provide opportunity to recognise the significant contribution and achievements of our Territory exporters,” she said.

“It is important that we continue to recognise the contribution these businesses make to the Territory economy, and by supporting them we are enabling more opportunities for Territorians helping grow the industry.”

Territory exporters contribute over $14bn to the NT economy annually.

Trade Minister Robyn Cahill said “connecting local ingenuity with global markets” helped to elevate the Territory’s economic standing and “contribute to a more interconnected and prosperous world”.

Winners of the NT awards program categories will progress as finalists in the Australian Export Awards to compete on the national stage.

The national event will be held in Canberra on November 10.

ALL THE WINNERS

• Advanced Technologies – Connecting Dots
• Agribusiness, Food and Beverage – Rum Jungle Meat Exports
• Creative Industries – Ikuntji Artists
• E-Commerce – Ikuntji Artists
• Emerging Exporter – Northern Tide Apparel
• International Education and Training – Alana Kaye College
• Manufacturing and Advanced Materials – Australian Blue Cypress
• Professional Services – Workforce Abundance
• Regional Exporter – National Feed Company
• Small Business – PhilipAgri Consulting
• Excellence in the supply chain supporting the Export Industry in the Northern Territory – Airway Logistics
• Excellence in events/international trade delegations supporting Northern Territory export activities and businesses – Darwin Convention Centre