Bundaberg Art Prize has a new home for 2023, moving to the Main Pavilion at Bundaberg Recreational Precinct.
After four years of successfully exhibiting in vacant spaces around the Bundaberg CBD, Bundaberg Art Prize organisers are excited that the new location will provide a suitable sized space to exhibit the 400 plus artworks expected.
Bundaberg Art Prize President Phil Oakley said the new venue would enable the organisers to display the artworks in a manner that does them justice, and would provide easier access for audiences.
“We're excited about the new venue as it can all be held under one roof, with easy access and plenty of parking and encourage people to attend the gala opening night,” Phil said.
The judge for this year’s prize is acclaimed Australian artist Tim Storrier, who recently purchased a property in the Bundaberg region.
Tim was the winner of the Sulman Prize in 1968 and 1984, the Archibald Prize in 2012 and the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize in 2017 and is represented in every major institution within Australia as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Phil said having a top Australian artist to judge the prize was exciting, and he hoped it would provide a great introduction for Tim into what’s happening in the region.
“I think this year's winners are going to feel extra special to have their work validated by someone who has won all the major art prizes in Australia,” Phil said.
“Hopefully it can be a springboard for some of our local artists to achieve a similar level of success, as we certainly have the talent in the region.”
Entries now open
Entries into the prize’s four categories are now open, with submissions required by Sunday 3 September.
Artists and creatives can enter any subject matter in any medium that suits them, in the following categories:
- Easel works – artworks produced on non-paper-based support, including canvas, board, fabric and fibre works which can be hung on a wall.
- Works on paper – watercolour, pastel, drawing or any medium on a paper-based support, framed and ready to hang.
- Digital media – including photography, digital drawing and video.
- 3D work – any artworks that can’t hang on a wall, in any medium.
Prospective entrants are encouraged to read the entry details to ensure their artwork meets the criteria.
Entrants have the chance to win $10,000 for overall first prize, with $2,000 first prizes in each section and $1,000 prize to the best young emerging artist.
Phil said the prize attracts some of the best artists from around the region, and that entrants don’t have to be professional artists to give it a go.
“Some of our previous section winners have been good ‘hobby' artists, and we've had people entering an art prize for the first time taking home prizes,” Phil said.
“Even if they don't expect to win, it's a great opportunity for artists to maybe exhibit for the first time and see their work hanging alongside their peers.”
“We also encourage younger artists and those still in high school to enter as we offer a $1,000 prize to the best artist under the age of 25, but they're still in with the chance of winning the overall $10,000 prize.”
Winners will be announced at the gala opening night on Friday 16 September, with the community invited to join the celebration where they will have the first opportunity to buy the exhibited artworks, enjoy the festivities and be entertained by live music.
For more information on how to enter, visit the Bundaberg Art Prize website.
