Nicole Monks is a multi-disciplinary creative of Yamaji Wajarri, Dutch and English heritage living and working on Awabakal Country (Newcastle). Monks’ practice is informed by her cross- cultural identity, using storytelling as a way to connect the past with the present and future. Her works take a conceptual approach that are embedded with narratives and aim to promote conversation and connection.

An award-winning designer and artist, Monks crosses disciplines to work with furniture and video, placemaking, tactile works, installation, and activation. Monks’ work reflects Aboriginal philosophies of sustainability, innovation and collaboration. Monks is well known for her success as a solo and collaborative creative, founding design practice blackandwhite creative and public art company mili mili.

Monks currently sits on the UNSW Galleries Board, the Advisory Council for the UNSW School of Art, Design and Architecture. Monks was the winner of ArtsNSW Aboriginal Design Grant, Vivid Design competition (furniture), UNSW Art & Design Indigenous Professional Development Award and Sydney Design Award (Textile and Surface Design). Monks works are collected nationally including the Powerhouse, Museum of Applied Arts and Science (MAAS), National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of WA and Museum of Art and Culture, Lake Macquarie, Artbank and Macquarie Bank.