The Arafura Craft Exchange introduces audiences to remarkable examples of contemporary craft from Indonesia and Australia. Mr Sudjud Dartanto, Lecturer, Craft Art Department at the esteemed Indonesia Institute of the Arts, Yogyakarta, is Guest Curator for Arafura Craft Exchange Ceramics 2008, the second in a series of triennial exhibitions. In 2007 Mr Sudjud Dartanto undertook studio visits with a select number of Australian and Indonesian ceramicists, including Jenny Orchard, Asmudojo Jono Irianto, Dona Prawita Aristuta, Titarubi and local artist Harvey Ottley, with a view for inclusion in the exhibition. The result is an exhibition of stunning contemporary ceramic practice featuring wild colours, emotive forms, elaborate concepts and sometimes comical themes.

A Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory exhibition

(Detail) Dona P Aristuta, Nuk Renggunuk, 2005 Mother ceramic elephant, 70 x 40 cm; child elephant 23 x 30 cm

In 2008 the Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award celebrates its 25th anniversary or Silver Jubilee. Regarded as one of the premier national Indigenous events on the arts calendar, the 25th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award offers one of the highest prizes for any art award in Australia. The Award is important for both established and emerging artists and attracts a broad range of artistic talent. Works are selected from almost 400 entries from around Australia.

Winners are announced and prizes presented at a free public opening event on the evening of Friday 15 August 2008. This event provides entertainment from Indigenous traditional and contemporary performers in the tropical MAGNT grounds.

A Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory exhibition

(Detail) Dennis Nona, Ubirikubiri, Cast bronze, Winner Telstra Award, 24th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award 2007, 123cm x 358cm x 123cm, courtesy of the artist

This international exhibition will present the traditional and contemporary art and crafts of Timor-Leste. The national collection of Timor-Leste will be complemented with works from the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. This comprehensive, collaborative exhibition of the textiles, ceramics, wooden carvings and body adornment of Timor-Leste will give insights into the distinctive living cultures of this young nation.

A Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory exhibition in conjunction with Division of Culture and Museums, Timor-Leste

(Detail) Timor-Leste, Ceremonial Mask, 20th Century, Hand-carved hardwood, 22 cm x 15.5 cm x 9 cm