Gemma Manfano with her work Girl With Pomegranate, winner of the Emerging Award 2017. Image supplied.
Artists who want to grow their audience and exhibit at a regional gallery now have the opportunity to do so with the City of Rockingham Art Awards in Western Australia.
City of Rockingham Mayor, Barry Sammels said the prize has often been a stepping-stone for artists as they work to establish their careers.
‘The City of Rockingham has developed a suite of exhibitions and awards that have seen artists progress to national exhibitions such as Sculpture by the Sea and the Black Swan Portraiture Prize, as well as appearing in Year’s Best anthologies and profile volumes such as the recently-released ‘Artists of Perth’ volume. The City represents a significant avenue for artists seeking to add credible exhibitions to their professional CV,’ Sammels said.
Here’s what you need to know
The newly expanded prize will be exhibited across two venues and offers a total prize pool of nearly $19,000. Entries are open to artists of all levels and cater to a variety of ages and unique talents across six categories, including Indigenous, Youth, Emerging, Heritage, and Open for established artists. Artists can submit up to three works with no entry costs. Entries close 23 February 2018.
Due to the Emerging and Youth categories, the Awards offer an important opportunity for younger and less experienced artists who are looking for a platform or are entering their first art show. The attraction of prize money and the opportunity to exhibit in a major regional Awards exhibition are additional incentives.
‘The Awards curator is chosen for, amongst other qualities, an ability to work with and develop artists,’ said Sammels.
‘The City of Rockingham Art Awards is an exciting opportunity for local, emerging and young artists to exhibit alongside established and recognised names from throughout Australia. The Awards provide the Rockingham community with the opportunity to view the best in contemporary arts practices and interact with the wonderful Rockingham Arts Centre.’
Artist R Koondarn with her work, Hunting. 2017. Image supplied.
Categories and prizes
Open: $5000
Heritage Award: $4000
Indigenous Award: $4000
Emerging Award: $2500
Local Resident Award for artists residing within the City of Rockingham: $1500
Robert Carter Youth Award for artists aged 12 to 18 years of age: $1500
Visit rockingham.wa.gov.au to find out more.
