Country Arts SA recognises that we are living and creating on First Nations Lands and we are committed to working together to honour their living cultures.
Whyalla Art Prize Exhibition now open!
Image: Paul Snell, Intersect #201504,
A lambda print face-mounted to 6mm plexiglass.
Whyalla Art Prize judges Riddoch Art Gallery Director Dr Melentie Pandilovski, Art Gallery of South Australia’s inaugural Curator of Contemporary Art Leigh Robb and winner of the 2015 Whyalla Art Prize Paul Snell have chosen the 2017 Whyalla Art Prize finalists. The works are now on display in the Middleback Arts Centre foyer until December 2.
These three respected names in the Arts industry selected 55 out of the 206 entries. Of the 55 finalists, 28 are from South Australia. The winner of the 2017 Whyalla Art Prize will be announced on Monday, October 9. Country Arts SA Arts Programs Director Anthony Peluso will open the event on October 9 and the winner will be announced by Mayor Lyn Breuer.
Country Arts SA Chief Executive Officer Steve Saffell said the Whyalla Art Prize had attracted a high calibre of artists. “The Whyalla Art Prize discovers new talent and supports artists nationwide,” he said. “The finalists this year again show how many talented artists we have in this country; and we are delighted to have the opportunity with the Whyalla Council to showcase another notable collection of artworks that reflect the changing face and evolving styles of Australia.”
In 1972, the Whyalla Art Prize was established by the Whyalla Arts Council. Originally designed to promote regional emerging artists, the prize has flourished and developed into a significant award and is seen as an important exhibition of contemporary arts in Australia. The Prize is open to all residents of Australia; artworks must be wall-based and can be in any medium other than photography.
Following this exhibition a small collection of this work will be selected to be exhibited at the Adelaide Airport for the first time, which will attract a sizeable national and international audience. Originally designed to promote emerging artists in the area by the Whyalla Arts Council in 1972, the Prize has since grown into a significant national award showcasing contemporary Australian art. The community of Whyalla has acquired a notable collection of artworks in iconic styles reflecting the changing face of the country over this time.
The public is welcome to attend the event from 6-8pm. Please RSVP by October 6 to [email protected] or call (08) 8644 7300.