The annual Aboriginal Artists Exhibition and Competition celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2010.
NSW Fair Trading has been pivotal in organising the exhibition since its inception in 2000.
The competition has grown from a small event of 20 paintings displayed at the Gosford Fair Trading Centre with $500 worth of prizes, into a major arts event with more than 100 paintings and $20,000 in prizes.
The competition provides Aboriginal artists with an opportunity to share their individual stories in a positive and creative way.
While the event is primarily for Aboriginal artists, there are also categories for non Aboriginal artists and school students, to explore the nature of reconciliation.
Entries received this year explored the theme of Aboriginal community progress since the Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk.
This year’s major prize, the $3,000 Tony Donovan Reconciliation Award, was awarded to Brett Parker for his artwork Read the Signs which celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk.
The Office of Fair Trading continues its strong partnership with Gosford City Council and the Regional Art Gallery to bring the event to the community.
The competition is sponsored by: ARAFMI,Bridgecoast Finance Group, Central Coast Community College, Central Coast Reconciliation Group, Department of Education and Training, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Gibalee Aboriginal Student Support Unit Ourimbah Campus, Gosford City Council, Gosford Regional Art Gallery, Housing NSW, Nunyara Aboriginal Health Unit, University of Newcastle Ourimbah Campus and Workcover NSW.
The artworks will be on display at the Gosford Regional Art Gallery until NAIDOC Week in July.
