A striking artwork inspired by the connections formed at university has taken out the top prize in Curtin University’s 2026 Indigenous Futures ReconciliAction Competition.

Now in its third year, the competition aims to celebrate culture, storytelling and connection while elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across the university community. An art exhibition showcasing all competition entries is now open to the public.

Winner T-Keia Dearden, a second year Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) student, said the inspiration for her artwork — Connecting on Country – centred on the connections formed at Curtin.

“We all come from many different paths and stages in life, and we all have our own stories to share,” the Whadjuk woman said.

“It is through studying at Curtin that we learn from one another through yarning, collaboration, mentorship, and the friendships we build along the way.

“This piece represents the meaning that, despite our differences, we grow alongside each other, and we all leave lasting impressions that will stay with each of us for a lifetime.”

In addition to a monetary prize, T-Keia’s artwork will be recognised, exhibited and permanently displayed on campus — embedding student storytelling into the heart of Curtin life and creating a lasting legacy for future students and staff.

For the first time, a People’s Choice winner was also announced – T-Keia’s Connecting on Country and Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) student Vanessa Burns’ Wagyl artwork in a tie.

Curtin’s Faculty of Humanities Indigenous Futures Dean Associate Professor Mandy Downing said the aim of the competition was to create culturally welcoming and inclusive spaces where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and knowledges are respected, celebrated, and woven throughout the Curtin community.

Associate Professor Downing said the artworks represented not only artistic skill, but also identity, resilience, culture, and the enduring power of storytelling.

“This initiative brings together students, staff and the wider community to recognise the central place of Indigenous voices, histories, and knowledges,” she said.

“It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to creating environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and perspectives are visible, valued, and celebrated.”

Curtin’s Faculty of Humanities Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Richard Blythe said the exhibition continued to grow not only in scale, but in significance.

“Through art, we are invited to reflect on our shared responsibility in advancing reconciliation, not as a symbolic gesture, but as an ongoing commitment embedded in the everyday life of our institution,” Professor Blythe said.

The 2026 Indigenous Futures ReconciliAction Exhibition is located in the Collaboration Hub, Level 1, Building 418, Curtin University, Bentley. The exhibition is open to the public until 3 July 2026.