One of the Northern Rivers Region’s most prestigious art prizes is once again set to build community bridges and celebrate local art.
Now entering its ninth year the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Northern Rivers Region Aboriginal Art Award this year will be held in collaboration with Lismore Regional Gallery from the 5th June to 10th July 2010. Total prize money for the art competition has grown to $6,500.
NPWS Community Relations Ranger, Kerrie Metzler said Aboriginal artists of all ages and levels of experience, who reside or are associated with the Northern Rivers Region, are invited to submit entries for this years Aboriginal Art Award.”
“The Award offers significant cash prizes in a number of categories, including $3,000 and $1,000 open prizes, a $1,000 award for artists under the age of 18, a $1,000 award for collaborative work by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal artists, and a $1,000 people’s choice award sponsored by Southern Cross University’s Gnibi College of Indigenous Studies.
“This year we are fortunate to have Bruce McLean, Associate Curator, Indigenous Australian Art, Queensland Art Gallery / Gallery of Modern Art, judging the works”.
“NPWS works closely with Aboriginal people across the Northern Rivers. The Art Award is an important vehicle for building strong links with the Indigenous community”, Ms Metzler said.
Brett Adlington, Director of Lismore Regional Gallery said, “the Gallery would love to showcase all the wonderful local talent with as many entries as possible. This is a great opportunity for those just starting out in their creative journey.”
“Whether you have exhibited your work before or not – this is your chance to show your work alongside other members of the Aboriginal community. Exhibiting in a recognised gallery is a great confidence builder. It is an opportunity for you to gain recognition, and winning a prize would be a fantastic boost.”
Ms Metzler said, this will be the ninth time the art award has been held.
“Last year the competition received around 90 entries and first prize went to Penny Evans for her ceramic work entitled Sisters.”
Lismore Regional Gallery is located at 131 Molesworth Street Lismore and the official opening of the exhibition will be held on Saturday 5th June at 11.00am.
The deadline for submission of entry forms is Friday 30 April 2010 and information and entry forms are available by contacting NPWS Northern Rivers Region on 6627 0200 or Lismore Regional Gallery on 66222209.
Contact: Lawrence Orel
Page last updated: 20 April 2010
