Hundreds of entries poured in from every state for the prestigious 2021 Sunshine Coast Art Prize, and finalists include Cooroy local Trevor Purvis and Jennifer Herd from Eumundi.
The 40 finalists were selected from 425 submissions across a range of genres including painting, drawing, photography, printing, textiles and assemblage.
Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the Sunshine Coast Art Prize was an increasingly important regional showcase event and motivational art award.
“The calibre of entries continues to be impressive, full of embedded meaning and drama and each year the artworks bring a new perspective on what’s happening,” Cr Baberowski said.
“We continue to attract an ever expanding and extensive range of entries from both well-known and emerging artists—it’s genuinely exciting that 2D practice across Australia is thriving.”
The Sunshine Coast Art Prize exhibition of all 40 finalists will be on display at the Caloundra Regional Gallery from 27 August to 10 October.
The lucrative prizes will be awarded to the winning artists at The Winners’ Announcement gala event on 23 September.
Gallery Director Jo Duke said the judged category winners would be selected by Renai Grace, Director/CEO of the Museum of Brisbane, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the arts and cultural sector.
“The standard of finalist works in this year’s exhibition is remarkable. We are delighted to have Renai joining as guest judge, bringing her expertise to the challenging task of choosing this year’s Sunshine Coast Art Prize winners,” Ms Duke said.
“There are six Sunshine Coast locals in the finalist selection, which demonstrates the creative talent we have right here in our region.”
The major prize winner will receive $25,000 cash, sponsored by Argon Law Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Council, with the winning artwork acquired into the Sunshine Coast Art Collection.
Exhibition visitors are invited to vote for their favourite work to select the People’s Choice Prize winner, which is awarded to the artwork which receives the most votes.
Finalist works are available to view online now at gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
