On Tuesday 4 December 2025, His Excellency the Ambassador for France in Australia M. Pierre André Imbert presented the insignia for Le Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres to Elizabeth Cameron Dalman and to Tony Albert.
A large group of the recipients’ friends and family attended the ceremony which was held in the Ambassador’s residence. The event was warm and joyful and friends of Mirramu thank His Excellency for his generous hospitality and friendly welcome.
The prestigious award is presented to people who have distinguished themselves in artistic or literary fields in France and the world.
In receiving her award, Elizabeth referred to her family of dancers worldwide and said she was accepting it on their behalf.
Tony Albert is a contemporary Australian artist working in painting, photography and mixed media, whose work draws on political, historical and cultural Aboriginal and Australian history, notably ‘Kitsch Aboriginalia’.
Tony is Artistic Director of the 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial: After the Rain showing at the NGA Canberra until 26 April 2026. The exhibition features 10 large-scale, immersive and multidisciplinary installations that celebrate intergenerational legacies and cultural warriors of the past, present and future.
In his acceptance speech Tony spoke of his belief in the capacity of art to change the world.
An article by Arts journalist Helen Musa’s for City News can be found here
Photograph Richard Scherer, Writing with Light.