The Australian War Memorial has announced that submissions are now open for the 2022 Napier Waller Art Prize.
The prize is open to all current and former service personnel in the Australian Defence Force. Entrants can submit any original visual art medium with a theme of their choice.
Entering its fourth year, Memorial Director Matt Anderson said the prize program has consistently aimed to promote artistic excellence.
“We are encouraging current and former Australian Defence Force personnel to raise awareness of the therapeutic power of artistic creation, shared experiences, and the talent of service personnel,” he said.
“To give form to personal feelings and to share dialogue can be healing for artists and audiences alike,” said Mr Anderson.
Former Army Major Matt Jones, who won the 2020 Napier Waller Art Prize with his conceptual piece titled Yarn, described how it takes courage to show vulnerability and tell stories through art.
“It’s a vindication of the difficulties that I’ve been through: that it was worthwhile telling the story, even if I’m the only person who knows what that story is,” he said.
The Napier Waller Art Prize is presented in partnership with The Road Home, the University of Canberra, Thales Australia and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This year’s winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize.
Submissions may include the use of any visual art medium, including but not limited to: painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, digital, decorative, sculpture, and installation.
Each entrant may address any theme they choose with the work being completed in the past two years from date of entry. The recipient of the prize will be chosen by a panel of judges and art experts.
Their art work will be displayed in an exhibition alongside other Highly Commended works, and will be accepted into the Memorial’s National Collection. The winning entrant will also receive the opportunity to undertake a residency program organised by the Australian War Memorial.
Finalists’ works will be displayed on the Australian War Memorial’s website. The general public can also vote in the People’s Choice award, for which the winner will receive $5,000. An exhibition of Highly Commended works will be held in mid-2022.
Entries are now open and close on Sunday 12 December 2021. For more information and guidelines, visit: www.awm.gov.au for details.
Image: Matt Jones, Yarn, 2020, yarn, recycled waste fabric, 183 x 183 x 18 cm – courtesy of the Australian War Memorial