WAMA has launched the 2023 WAMA Art Prize, $25,000 national award for excellence in art inspired by nature created with or on paper.
The biennial Art Prize is in its second year after a very successful launch in 2021. Receiving over 600 entries in its inaugural year, the award attracts a broad spectrum of Australian artists who are passionately engaged in the natural environment.
Chair of WAMA’s Art Advisory Council, Jacqueline Healy said, “The quality and number of artists who entered the inaugural prize, demonstrates the resonance that the theme of art and nature has within our creative community.”
“Australia has many art prizes, but what makes this award special and unique is that its about art and the environment, two things that people are passionate and care deeply about. It provides a focused platform for equally important things in our lives that are connected and should be celebrated.”
The 2023 WAMA Art Prize will be judged by a strong and knowledgeable panel including Dr Vicki Couzens, prominent artist and Gunditjmara Keerray Woorroong elder, Robert Nelson, art historian and art critic, Suzanne Davies, Contemporary Art Gallery Director, and Dr Jacqueline Healy, Chair of WAMA’s Art Advisory Council.
“We are excited about the talented artists that will be discovered this year through the prize and are looking forward to judging some remarkable works.”
The award’s finalists will be exhibited at Ararat Gallery TAMA and online between 19 August and 19 November, 202A3. The major acquisitive award of $15,000 and Awards of Excellence will be announced on 26 August,2023. Included within the exhibition is a People’s Choice Award, available for public vote after the announcement of the major prize winners.
The Ararat Shire Council Mayor, Jo Armstrong said it is wonderful for Ararat to be exhibiting works from the award’s finalists.
“Now running for its second time, the WAMA Art Prize attracts entries from across both prominent and emerging artists in Australia the theme of art and nature conservation,” Cr Armstrong said.
“The artworks that make it through to the final round will be on display at Ararat Gallery TAMA; further enriching the region’s cultural offering to visitors and the wider community.
“Ararat Gallery TAMA has been the canvas for inspiring works and is proud be supporting the WAMA Art Prize exhibition.”
Entries for the WAMA Art Prize are open from April 1 to May 19.
CLICK HERE to find out more or register.
Artwork: Melissa Smith, Listen Deeply – Lake Sorell, 2021
