Indigenous artists across the state are invited to be part of the 10th anniversary of the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards.
Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, today called for entries to the awards, which have grown from strength to strength since being established by the Victorian Government in 2005. The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney called on Indigenous artists in the Colac area to apply.
The Victorian Indigenous Art Awards Program, hosted in partnership with the Art
Gallery of Ballarat, features more than $40,000 in prizes, including the $30,000 Deadly Art Award, supported by Creative Victoria. Other award categories include $5,000 awards supported by Federation University and the Australian Catholic University.
The awards aim to celebrate and promote Victoria’s Indigenous visual arts sector and create commercial opportunities for Indigenous artists.
Winners and finalists over the last decade include acclaimed and internationally
recognised artists Bindi Cole and Reko Rennie, who were named winners in 2008.
More than 280 artworks have been exhibited, making the awards a high-profile platform for artists.
Entries to the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards are open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander visual artists at all career stages, across all mediums. Artists must either be Victorian-born or current residents of Victoria and be aged 18 or over. Entries close on Tuesday, 9 June, 2015.
An exhibition of finalist works will open at the Art Gallery of Ballarat on Saturday, 8 August, 2015, before International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on Sunday, 9 August. For more information visit www.indigenousartawards.com.au
Quotes attributable to the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in our local community to share their culture, exhibit their works and gain greater exposure.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley
“These Awards celebrate the world’s oldest continuing culture, showcasing South Eastern Indigenous art ranging from intricate traditional works to dynamic contemporary pieces.”
Quotes attributable to Art Gallery of Ballarat Director, Gordon Morrison
“This partnership between the Gallery and Creative Victoria has enabled us to build relationships with a range of Indigenous artists, which will lead to further projects and partnerships in the future.”