The $10,000 Naracoorte National Art Prize is looking for artists working in two dimensions to make a national impact by bridging art and science.
Starburst Cave as part of the World Heritage Site, which is inviting artists to be inspired by nature for its inaugural $10,000 prize; photo Steve Bourne
While there are hundreds of art prizes in Australia today, there are few – in fact only one in South Australia – that can claim to have a unique relationship with a World Heritage Listed Site.
The 2019 Naracoorte National Art Prize coincides with the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Megafauna remains at the World Heritage Naracoorte Fossil Caves in remote South Australia.
This is the first year that the $10,000 acquisitive prize will be held, and Prize Coordinator Colin Kelly says there is no rigid theme to the inaugural event.
‘Take yourself on a flight of imagination,’ Kelly told ArtsHub. ‘Let the magic and mystery of the caves and the excitement of exploration and discovery inspire your creation.’
He added: ‘What we are trying to avoid is the idea that people have to submit exclusively scientific-styled art.’
The prize is calling on artists nationally to awaken their inner Leonardo da Vinci, Mary Anning or David Attenborough, and to create artworks that will be presented in this unique environment.
‘There is a really strong connection that people have to the natural world through art – it is an age-old relationship,’ Kelly said. ‘Art and science have had a partnership for hundreds of years; both embrace a spirit of exploration, research and discovery, and science has learnt from the observational skills of artists. It is a natural fit.’
Entries are now open for the 2019 Naracoorte National Art Prize. For details visit www.naracoorteartgallery.com
