The RAKA, or Ruth Adeney Koori Award, was first awarded in 1991 to help advance recognition of Indigenous artistic achievements and creativity, and was one of the earliest prizes for Indigenous artists in Australia. The award was established by eminent art and cultural historian Professor Emeritus Bernard Smith. Smith believed in the restorative justice powers of the arts in all forms, which is why the Kate Challis RAKA Award celebrates Indigenous creative excellence. It is named to honor the memory of his late wife, Kate Challis, who was known in her youth as Ruth Adeney. Past winners of the RAKA include filmmaker Ivan Sen (2004 and 2014), author Alexis Wright (2016), visual artist Yhonnie Scarce (2018), filmmakers Steven McGregor and David Tranter (2019), and playwright Dylan Van Den Berg (2022). See the full list of past winners.
Image: Teresa Baker, Minyma Malilunya 2017, courtesy Tjungu Palya Arts, SA and Vivien Anderson Gallery, Melbourne.
