Wollongong Art Gallery Director Daniel Mudie Cunningham is excited to break down barriers with the Wollongong Art Prize. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
An art competition ingrained in Wollongong’s cultural history has been revitalised and reimagined with artists from across country invited to submit works to be a part of the region’s new creative era.
Wollongong Art Prize first launched in 1956, two decades before Wollongong Art Gallery was even established.
The competition originally focused on watercolour and cemented itself as a cherished cultural tradition which brought in prize-winning acquisitions from renowned artists such as Col Jordan, James Hall and Lorraine Homes.
Now the prize is returning with a new look, set to be more inclusive to all artists and mediums, and mark a new chapter in the Illawarra’s artistic legacy.
“Revitalising the prize is about more than just art; it’s about access, inclusivity and community,” Wollongong Art Gallery Director Daniel Mudie Cunningham said.
“By opening the prize to all mediums, we’re not just expanding the canvas, we’re expanding the conversation.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to break down traditional barriers, as artists of all backgrounds and practices can bring their contribution to the table.”
The reimagined competition opens the door for the next generation of artists, with a top cash prize of $25,000.
“Whether it’s digital media, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, watercolour, or painting, we’re creating a space where innovation and experimentation are welcomed and celebrated,” Daniel said.
There will also be $5000 up for grabs for the Wollongong Art Gallery Friends’ Local Artist Award, specifically for creators from Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Wingecarribee local government areas, and $2000 for the People’s Choice Award which will be determined by public vote online.
“It’s an understatement to say that we’ve got an incredible number of gifted artists, especially here in Wollongong, and we’re committed to supporting their talents,” Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said.
“This is a great opportunity for us to champion the industry’s diversity and the contemporary visionaries that are emerging. I encourage all artists to take up the challenge. Everyone expresses their art in different ways and this ethos will be the strength of this exhibition.”
Winners and selected works will then be showcased through an exhibition at the gallery from December to March.
“The prize exhibition will give our community the chance to experience contemporary art, in a way that’s fresh, dynamic and deeply connected to place,” Daniel said.
“It will invite people to not just view art, but to engage with it, question it, and see your own story reflected in the works.”
The prize is open to all Australian artists with only one work allowed to be submitted per entrant.
The submitted piece must be an original work completed since 31 January 2024.
Entries close on Sunday 14 September.
For more information visit the Wollongong Art Gallery Website.
