Heidi Victoria MP, Minister for the Arts, has announced the 35 artists that have been shortlisted for the State’s richest Indigenous art prize program – the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards.
Ms Victoria congratulated the finalists, who are in the running for more than $50,000 in prizes, including the Victorian Government’s $30,000 Deadly Art Award.
“The Victorian Indigenous Art Awards are more than just an Awards program, they are a celebration of the richness of Victoria’s Indigenous arts and culture,” says Ms Victoria.
“Congratulations to this exciting group of finalists which includes established professional artists as well as new talent – including the youngest ever finalist, 18 year old Perrin Daly. The shortlisted artists come from all parts of the state, practice in a range of artforms, from traditional basket weaving to multimedia, sculpture and photography, and reflect the enormous creativity and talent of our state’s Indigenous artists.”
The Victorian Indigenous Art Awards were established in 2005 to build awareness and raise the profile of Victorian Indigenous art. In 2014 the Napthine Government has again partnered with the Art Gallery of Ballarat to present the awards.
“Presenting the awards last year was a very positive experience for the gallery, giving us the opportunity to build links with Victoria’s Indigenous artistic community while delivering a very impressive exhibition of contemporary art,” says Gordon Morrison, Director, Art Gallery of Ballarat.
“This gallery actively involves local Indigenous artists in its programs and is building an understanding of the work of Indigenous artists in our community and with visitors. The Indigenous Art Awards support both these objectives.”
The 2014 Victorian Indigenous Art Awards winners will be announced on Saturday 23 August 2014. An exhibition of all shortlisted works will be held at the Art Gallery of Ballarat from Saturday 23 August to Sunday 5 October. For more information, visit: www.indigenousartawards.com.au for details.
Image: Josh Muir – Heavens Gates, Digital Print on Aluminium