How a local Art Prize can help you grow beyond the canvas

Image: The Bert Flugelman, Spiral and Wave (1977) in front of the Wollongong Art Gallery

Entries are currently open for the Wollongong Art Prize inviting artists from around Australia, across all mediums, to submit a work that reflects the diversity, energy and complexity of contemporary life.

Contemporary artists will be competing for “The Top Gong for the Gong” – an acquisitive prize of $25,000. The prize pool also includes the People’s Choice Award ($2000) and the Wollongong Art Gallery Friends’ Local Artist Award ($5000).

You can read more in our media release: Contemporary artists to shine in new Wollongong Art Prize

The impressive prize purse is reflective of how momentous the Prize is to Wollongong, but even more so the significance it can have for contemporary artists.

Local art prizes are a fundamental part of Australia’s creative identity, with Wollongong hosting its first in the late 1950s . Yet, the strength of this visual tradition goes beyond the financial incentive.

Wollongong Art Gallery Director, Daniel Mudie Cunningham, said the reason the Art Prize is still going strong today is because of the growth and ambition of the artists that enter.

“We’re currently calling for entries for the Wollongong Art Prize, and I’m impressed by the reception it’s had so far,” he said.

“If you’re still on the fence whether you should enter or not, I challenge you to not see this as ‘just a competition’. These respected Prizes have the potential to be career changing because of the growth and career development it can encourage.

“Whether you’re an aspiring or established artist, please see this as a chance to break down traditional barriers – your way. It’ll do wonders for your future progression.”

The winner of the acquisitive prize will have their work acquired for the Art Gallery collection. It’ll be one of many works in the collection that have been acquired through different prize iterations and purchase schemes.

Mr Mudie Cunningham is certain that the recipient of the ‘Top Gong of the Gong’ legacy can continue through the collection.

“As one of the nation’s leading regional art galleries, the winner can be confident that their work will live on through and for our community,” he said.

“Being part of our collection means you are part of our story. It could be curated in collection exhibitions or even loaned to other Galleries and more.”

Finalists and selected pieces will be part of the Wollongong Art Prize exhibition at the end of the year.

“With every entry there’s an artist intent on making their mark here in Wollongong. It’ll be exciting to see some of these works showcased as part of the exhibition – so make sure to apply!” he said.

Entries are open until 14 September. For more details and how to apply visit the Wollongong Art Gallery website.