Entries are open for the 16th Sunshine Coast Art Prize, which is the flagship art event for the Sunshine Coast region and one of the most coveted art awards in Australia with a prize pool of more than $30,000.
Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski expected many of the country’s top artists to take part.
“Once again Sunshine Coast Council is casting its net both locally and nationwide, encouraging entries from Australia’s best contemporary artists,” he said.
“Importantly, (with) the calibre of judges, we are able to engage together with the standard of presentation in our regional gallery makes the Sunshine Coast Art Prize a serious survey of contemporary arts practice at a national level.
“The prize is acquisitive, with the winning artwork adding to our increasingly impressive Sunshine Coast Art Collection. A sample is now on display at the Caloundra Regional Gallery,” Cr Baberowski said.
“Each year the display of art helps us all reflect on our time and culture; I look forward to seeing how our nation’s artists have reflected on what has been an exceptionally challenging year.
Caloundra Regional Gallery Curator Jo Duke said the prize had, over the years, attracted experienced and high-profile judges and that this year was no exception with Museum of Brisbane Director Renai Grace accepting the challenge to select the winning entries
“Renai brings to the table a wealth of experience having worked for some of Queensland’s leading cultural institutions and projects as well as several years in the commercial gallery field,” Ms Duke said.
“She also served as Director of Investment and Development at Arts Queensland.”
“Renai has dedicated her career to raising awareness of the impact of creativity to connect and inspire communities and create vibrant cities.”
Ms Grace said she was thrilled to be invited to judge the 16th Sunshine Coast Art Prize.
“This unique acquisitive prize provides promotional opportunities, not only for the winner but the finalists, raising their profile through an exhibition and online engagement,” Ms Grace said.
“Importantly, the prize offers to reduce the financial burden on artists by covering the cost of their freight.”
Entries close on May 10, with finalists announced in June.
Finalist works will be on display in the Caloundra Regional Gallery from August 27 to October 10.
For more information on this acquisitive art prize visit gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Key dates
Entries open: 9am Monday, February 22
Entries close: 5pm Monday, May 10
Finalists will be announced: 10am Tuesday, June 15
Exhibition dates: August 27 – October 10
The Winners’ announcements:September 23
Prizes
Total Prize money – Over $30,000
Major Prize $25,000 – funded by major sponsor Argon Law and Sunshine Coast Council
Highly Commended prize $5000 – sponsored by the De Deyne Family
People’s Choice Prize: $2500 cash – sponsored by the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce
Artists Residency – sponsored by Montville Country Cabins
