Kim Ah Sam awarded 15 Artists Acquisitive Prize

Published 08 May 2025

Kuku Yalanji and Kalkadoon woman Kim Ah Sam has been awarded City of Moreton Bay’s 2025 15 Artists Acquisitive Prize for her compelling artwork, Grounding from country to the waters.

The new work captures the connection between Moreton Bay’s tidal landscape and First Nations traditions and wisdom, celebrating Country as a continuing source of food, knowledge, and healing.

Crafted from recycled crab pots, the artwork responds to living history and the natural rhythms of Moreton Bay. Through earthy tones and fluid, woven forms, Ah Sam evokes the movement of water and sand, embodying the spirit of resilience and reconnection.

Ah Sam’s multidisciplinary practice explores her personal cultural and spiritual identity through printmaking, handmade papermaking, and woven sculpture.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery called the 15 Artists Prize one of the City’s most important cultural initiatives and praised Ah Sam’s work.

“Kim Ah Sam’s piece is a deeply moving reflection of Country, community, and resilience,” he said.

“We are proud to acquire this powerful work into City of Moreton Bay’s Art Collection, where it will continue to inspire and connect with our community.

“The 15 Artist Prize gives emerging and established artists a platform to share meaningful, contemporary art.

“The 2025 exhibition offers a timely snapshot of the themes and experiences shaping life in Queensland today, while also speaking to broader national conversations.”

Ah Sam graduated from the Queensland College of Art in 2018 with a Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art and Honours in Fine Art, majoring in printmaking. Her career highlights include a residency at the Museum of Brisbane and public commissions for Queensland Rail, Queensland University of Technology, and Ipswich City Council. Her work has been showcased nationally, including at the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art at QAGOMA (2024) and Craft Victoria’s YARN (2023).

Now in its 26th year, City of Moreton Bay’s 15 Artists Acquisitive Prize is a flagship annual initiative. Each year, 15 artists are invited to showcase their work, with one piece selected for acquisition. The awarded artist receives $20,000, and their work is added to the City's growing collection of contemporary Australian art.

Artists showcased in this year’s exhibition include Queensland-based artists: Holly Anderson, James Barth, Troy-Anthony Baylis, Naomi Blacklock, Darren Blackman, Jamie Congdon, Torin Francis, Claudia Greathead, Libby Harward, Kate Mitchell, Tommy Pau, Sha Sarwari, Pamela See, and Keemon Williams.

15 Artists 2025 is on display at Redcliffe Art Gallery until 24 May 2025.