Come along to the Footscray Art Prize exhibition, taking place at Footscray Community Arts Centre and VU at MetroWest from 20 June – 20 July, to view more than 200 works from talented artists from across Australia.
After receiving over 800 entries for the esteemed biennial prize, the shortlisted works were selected by the Footscray Art Prize judging panel, made up of ACMI’s Katrina Sedgwick, ACCA’s Hannah Presley, VCA’s Raafat Ishak, and independent creative producer Simon Spain (judge of the young artist categories). Hannah Presley, Curator at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, said the judges were impressed by the quality of work they viewed.
“The volume of entries gave me a good insight into some of the exciting work being created across the country and led to an enjoyable discussion with my co-judges,” Hannah Presley, Curator at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art said.
Thirty-three artworks were shortlisted in the main category, three in the street art category, and twenty-two in the tertiary category, and over 100 pieces from the young artist categories will be exhibited. A range of mediums are represented, including a high number of contemporary sculptural and installation works.
“A highlight of the shortlist for me is the diverse materiality. Our selection is a dynamic offering that addresses themes of environment, place, identity and observation,” Hannah continued.
Entrants are as diverse as they are talented and include nationally accredited taxidermy artist Julia DeVille, miniature artist David Hourigan, award-winning portrait artist Tamirat Gebremariam, and street art duo Creature Creature. Shortlisted works will be on display at a Footscray Art Prize exhibition, which will be held at Footscray Community Arts Centre (Main and Street Art Prizes), and VU at MetroWest (Tertiary and Young Artist Prizes) from 20 June – 20 July. Shortlisted artists go into the running for a total cash prize pool of $17,500, including the coveted $10,000 main prize, with winners announced on 20 June at the exhibition opening night.
For more information about the upcoming exhibition and to view a list of shortlisted artists, visit www.footscrayartprize.com. Footscray Art Prize is a unique collaboration between Victoria University, Maribyrnong City Council, Footscray Community Arts Centre and the Rotary Club of Footscray, who share a commitment to demonstrating and promoting creativity, cultural achievements and the arts.
