"Tell your story": NBL opens search for new Indigenous Artist

Indigenous Round is one of the hallmarks of every exciting Hungry Jack's NBL Season, which sees the League celebrate the country and communities' proud culture.

A big part of the growth of the round over the past few seasons has been the NBL Indigenous Artist, Luke Penrith.

The proud Wiradjuri, Wotjobaluk, Yuin, and Gumbaynggirr Nations man's artwork, titled 'Flowing Unity: The Heartbeat of Basketball', has been the League's design since the NBL24 season.

"It is incredibly special [to have my design used] and something I don't think I'll ever take for granted," Penrith said.

"When I first created Flowing Unity: The Heartbeat of Basketball, I wanted the artwork to tell a story about connection; connection to culture, community, country and this game that brings so many different people together.

"To then see that artwork become part of the NBL, and to see it year after year across such a national platform, has been something I'm tremendously proud of.

"There are moments when I see the artwork on television, at a game, on social media or being embraced by players and supporters where I have to remind myself that something I created is now part of the story of Australian basketball.

"But probably the most special part has been sharing that journey with my family and community. They have loved every minute of it. Basketball is a huge part of our lives, so seeing our culture and my artwork represented within the game we love has meant a great deal to all of us.

"For me, though, the artwork has always been about more than what people see. If one young Indigenous kid sees that artwork and it sparks an idea about what might be possible for them, then it has achieved something really important."

The NBL's Indigenous Round, which sees all 10 teams wear specially designed uniforms, was first introduced in NBL22, before growing to the cultural celebration it has become today.

"I feel extremely proud [to have played a role in the round's growth]," Penrith said.

"Watching Indigenous Round continue to grow has been really rewarding, because it creates such a visible celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures on one of the biggest basketball stages in the country.

"To know that I've been able to contribute creatively to that journey is something I'll always carry with me.

"What excites me most, though, is what can come from that visibility. Indigenous Round can be a catalyst. A young Indigenous player might watch a game and think, 'I want to be there one day'.

"Someone might see the artwork and realise there is a place for Indigenous creatives within professional sport.

"I want our young people to understand that there are so many ways they can be part of basketball. You don't necessarily have to be the player scoring 30 points. You might become a coach, referee, administrator, a physio, a marketing guru, a content creator or a club CEO. Sometimes all it takes is seeing somebody else doing it before you believe you can do it too. That's where I think the real power is.

"Celebrating culture is incredibly important, but we also want that celebration to create conversations, relationships and genuine opportunities. If Indigenous Round can continue opening those doors, then its impact can reach well beyond one round of basketball."

>> BE THE NBL'S NEXT INDIGENOUS ARTIST: EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

After three seasons working with the League, the NBL27 campaign will be his last, with the owner of Aboriginal-owned business, Luke Penrith Arts and Designs, encouraging aspiring designers to follow in his footsteps.

"I've loved every minute of it," he said.

"Since beginning this journey with the NBL in 2024, including contributing creatively to Indigenous Round and the League's Reconciliation Action Plan, I've been given an opportunity that I will always be grateful for.

"There's obviously some emotion knowing NBL27 will be my final season as the League's Indigenous designer, but more than anything I feel proud.

"I'm proud of the artwork. I'm proud of the relationships that have been built. I'm proud that my family and community have been able to come on this journey with me, and I'm proud to have contributed in a small way to the NBL's reconciliation journey.

"I also think there is something really positive about knowing it is time for another Indigenous artist to have this opportunity.

"My artwork has had its time to tell its story. Now somebody else gets the opportunity to bring their culture, their story, their community and their creativity onto this incredible national platform. That's how we continue creating opportunities.

"I won't look at it as something ending. I'll look at it as passing the ball to the next person and saying, your turn.

"[Aspiring artists] shouldn't look at this opportunity and think your artwork isn't good enough, that you haven't been doing it long enough, or that somebody else deserves the opportunity more than you.

"Put your name forward and tell your story. The most important thing you bring isn't just your ability as an artist. It's your culture, your family, your country, your community, your experiences and the stories that have shaped who you are. Nobody else can tell those stories exactly the way you can.

"This opportunity has given me much more than the chance to have my artwork seen. It has allowed me to build relationships, learn, grow professionally and connect my culture with a game my family and I genuinely love. You never know who is watching.

"There could be a young Indigenous artist sitting at home who sees your artwork across the NBL and thinks, I could do that. There could be a young player who feels a little more connected to the game because they can see their culture represented. That's why these opportunities matter.

"To whoever becomes the next Indigenous designer: embrace it, enjoy it, stay true to your story and bring your family and community along for the ride.

"I've been incredibly proud to carry the ball for the past three seasons, and now it's time to pass it on."

If you'd like to follow in Penrith's footsteps and become the NBL's next Indigenous Artist, please apply here.