From the Minister for the Arts
Monday, 11 October 2010
Entries are now open for the 2011 Victorian Indigenous Art Awards (VIAA), the State’s premiere celebration of our Indigenous visual arts sector.
Minister for the Arts Peter Batchelor said the awards aimed to raise the profile of Victoria’s Indigenous artists and foster, promote and celebrate the individuality and cultural integrity of Indigenous art from South Eastern Australia.
Indigenous culture here in Victoria is rich and unique and our Government is committed to providing career development opportunities for our Indigenous artists and opportunities for audiences to learn more about our Indigenous heritage, he said.
Mr Batchelor said the VIAAs, now in their sixth year, support artists from right across the State, and include those practising traditional artforms as well as contemporary styles.
Since they were introduced by the Brumby Labor Government in 2005, the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards have gone from strength to strength, Mr Batchelor said.
Last year’s awards attracted over 110 entries from across Victoria with a total of 25 works by 18 artists selected for exhibition.
This year we are calling for entries in three categories, with a total prize pool of $35,000, including the major $25,000 Deadly Art Award.
This year for the first time we will also be offering a $5,000 Highly Commended Deadly Art Award.
Mr Batchelor said the 2011 VIAA would be delivered in partnership with gallery and performance space fortyfivedownstairs, and for the first time would be curated by a resident Indigenous curator.
“I am pleased to announce Nicholas Boseley as the inaugural resident curator of the 2011 Awards. Nicholas, who won the 2009 Boscia Galleries Award for Photography and Digital Media, will curate the 2011exhibition, he said.
Mr Boseley said he was excited to be part of the 2011 VIAA.
“VIAA is a great opportunity to exhibit new artworks to a wide audience, gain knowledge from professionals in the arts and connect with fellow Indigenous artists, he said.
The quality of the entered artworks rises each year and the diversity of Victorian Indigenous artists ensures a unique and spectacular exhibition.
The VIAA are open to all Indigenous artists living in Victoria. Artists are eligible to enter up to four new works for the following awards:
Deadly Art Award – $25,000
Open to 2 and 3 dimensional works.
Deadly Art Award – Highly Commended – $5,000
Open to 2 and 3 dimensional works entered into the Deadly Art Award.
Koorie Heritage Trust Acquisition Award – $5,000
Open to 2 and 3 dimensional works.
Entries to the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards must be received by no later than close of business, Friday ,19 November 2010.
To receive an entry form, call Nicholas Boseley on 03 9662 9966 or email viaa@fortyfivedownstairs.com
The Victorian Indigenous Art Awards ceremony will be held on 11 March 2011. The exhibition will be open to the public from 11 March – 2 April, 2011 at fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. For more information, visit www.indigenousartawards.com.au
