National awards
current winners
Digital Design
Studio ESM
Bird Storybox
Birds of Australia Storybox is a beautifully crafted, highly innovative digital experience that reimagines the touring exhibition format with heart, creativity, and community at its core. Combining vibrant animations, gamification, and the historic artwork of John and Elizabeth Gould, the project draws audiences into the world of native birds while honouring First Nations knowledge and language.
First Nations
Skyrail Forest Cableway
& Buda:dji Aboriginal Development Association
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway’s Djabugay Stories,
is a powerful and innovative cultural overlay to one
of Australia’s most iconic tourism experiences. Judges
praised its respectful implementation, strong First Nations leadership, and the revival of threatened languages and voices through accessible digital storytelling.
Outdoor $100K+
Taronga Conservation Society, ARC
Taronga ARC is a bold and imaginative outdoor exhibition that brings conservation to life through immersive storytelling, playful design, and a powerful call to action. Judges praised its outstanding technical execution, innovative gamified interactivity, and clear, accessible messaging that connects visitors to the challenges faced by reptiles and amphibians in a changing climate.
Indoor $100K+
Museums of History NSW
Seeing Sydney
Seeing Sydney is a beautifully layered, story-driven exhibition that reinterprets colonial narratives through First Nations perspectives. Judges praised its thoughtful design, nuanced storytelling, and respectful community consultation, which together offer a powerful and inclusive lens on Sydney’s complex history.
Georgie Waterman Award
Caolan Mitchell
Thylacine Design
Caolan Mitchell is a transformative figure in Australian interpretation, an innovator, collaborator, and mentor whose career spans over 25 years. From his early roots in installation art to founding Thylacine Design, Caolan has redefined exhibition practice through story-led, inclusive design and technical ingenuity, empowering a generation of interpretive professionals.





