2024 Len Fox Painting Prize
Commemorating the life and work of E. Phillips Fox
Entries are now open for the biennial $50,000 acquisitive painting award.
The Len Fox Painting Award is a biennial acquisitive painting prize and is awarded to a living Australian artist to commemorate the life and work of Emanuel Phillips Fox (1865–1915), the uncle of Len Fox, partner of benefactor Mona Fox. The Len Fox Painting Award and generous acquisitive cash prize of $50,000 is funded through a bequest from Mona Fox.
The Len Fox Painting Award recognises and promotes the work of Australian artists pursuing the artistic interests and qualities of E. P. Fox. These include engagement with colour and light; ambitious connections with international developments in art; and an interest in travel and an engagement with the cultures of diverse regions and peoples.
The Len Fox Painting Award will be made to a painting judged to have addressed the interests of E. P. Fox as an imaginative, inquisitive, and worldly artist. Any style or genre is eligible, however, it is recognised that E. P. Fox is most noted for landscape, figurative and portrait paintings. The painting may be made in any medium, subject to declared practical limitations. This is an acquisitive award, with the winning work becoming part of the Museum’s Art Collection.
2024 Judges
John Wolseley
John Wolseley is one of Australia’s most important artists. His work in watercolour, drawing, printmaking and installation over the last 40 years has been a meditation on how the earth is a dynamic system of which we are all a part of. Detailed studies of insects, botany, birdwatching and geology have been a preoccupation for most of his artistic practice. He portrays the Australian landscape and its ecosystems by combining collage elements and markings made ‘in collaboration’ with the natural environment. Wolseley’s works celebrate the complexity of Australia’s diverse ecologies and encourage an understanding of the significance of environmental fragility.
Emma Busowsky
Emma Busowsky is a curator and writer with specialisation in Australian art, exhibitions, collections and museums. Currently living and working on Dja Dja Wurrung Country as Curator at Bendigo Art Gallery, Emma has worked in the Australian art museum sector since 2003 across curatorial and programming roles. Prior to her role at Bendigo Art Gallery, Emma was the Curator at Castlemaine Art Museum, and before that, Curator of the Deakin University art collection. Recent projects include the major exhibition, ‘Australiana: Designing a Nation’ (in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria) and the exhibition and major publication, ‘Daughters of the Sun: Christian Waller & Klytie Pate’ (2018). Emma holds a Master of Cultural Heritage and a Bachelor of Arts with first class Honours from Deakin University.
Naomi Cass, Director of Castlemaine Art Museum, will act as non-voting Chair alongside both judges.
Exhibition
The exhibition of shortlisted artists will be held at Castlemaine Art Museum from 27 September 2024 – 2 March 2025. The official exhibition opening event and prize announcement will be held on 27 September 2024.
Previous Award Winners
2022: Greg Creek, Killing Jar
2019: Betty Kuntiwa Pumani, Antara
2015: Prudence Flint, Wash
2013: Judy Drew, The silk gown
2011: Lynn Miller, Winter storm, Bay St, Brighton
How to Enter
- Please read the Terms and Conditions of Entry to ensure all eligibility requirements are met.
- Complete the online entry form including artist statement and biography.
- Upload a high-quality digital image (max. 5mb) with submission.
- Complete payment of fee (AUD $50 incl. GST) per entered artwork.
- Once processed, acknowledgement of entry will be emailed to entrants.
Important Dates
Entries Open: 14 May 2024
Entries Close: 4 August 2024
Selected Finalists Notified: Mid/Late August
Finalists to Deliver Work to Castlemaine Art Museum: From 12 – 15 September 2024 (Between 12pm and 4pm)
Exhibition Dates: 27 September 2024 – 2 March 2025
Official Opening and Prize Announcement at CAM: 27 September 2024
Announcement of People’s Choice: 2 March 2025
Collection of Works: 6 – 9 March 2025 (Between 12pm and 4pm)
