The JackJumpers are searching for the next artist to design their Indigenous round jersey for the 2025/26 NBL season.
Last year’s jersey, which symbolised a connection to the land and sea, was created by Aboriginal artist Caleb Nichols-Mansell.
It was chosen by the team’s inaugural Aboriginal advisory panel, made up of Lola Greeno, Rodney Dillon and Theresa Sainty.
Aboriginal artist Rueben Oates designed the jersey the year prior, featuring a Jack jumper ant and its nest, with flowing strokes representing water.
However, Oates’ jersey never made it to the court after the team pulled it following cultural appropriation claims, fuelled by what Oates said was a “noisy minority” within the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.
The JackJumpers are inviting the next hopeful artist to submit their designs by February 13.
“Tasmanian Aboriginal artists are invited to submit their biography, concepts and drafted designs, which will be selected based on merit by the JackJumpers Aboriginal Advisory Panel,” a spokesperson said.
“It is hoped that the artwork be reflective or incorporative of Lutruwita/Tasmania and its Aboriginal culture, people, places or stories, as well as representing something meaningful to Tasmanian Aboriginal people.”
Designs can be sent to [email protected], along with an artist biography and description of the artwork.
