Seven artists from Brisbane have learned they are amongst the finalists in the inaugural annual National Capital Art Prize. Experts from across Australia’s art industry selected 121 finalists from a tremendous field of over 1,000 submissions in the Prize. Artists from all over the country entered the new competition, with category winners set to share a prize pool of $45,000.
Only the best of the best have been selected as finalists in this two-tiered adjudication process. The artists have been shortlisted in the following categories:
- Christopher Mcleod – Landscape
- Llewellyn Swallow – First Nations
- Lisa Taylor-King – Open
- Maxine Brecevic – First Nations
- Patricia Ransome – First Nations
- Tara Harriden – First Nations
- John Martin – Open
These successful artists must now ensure their works arrive safely in Canberra for the final round of judging where the shortlisted artworks will be judged a second time by a panel of eminent Australians to decide the four category winners.
The Brisbane community can proudly support their local artists by selecting their works in the People’s Choice Award which is now open for voting. All finalist artworks are on display in a virtual gallery and the public can vote daily to determine who wins this category. The winner of this category will take home a cash prize of $2,500. It’s an opportunity for every Australian to view, experience and share in Australia’s creativity. Voting closes Thursday 30th of September.
Bernard Ollis, renowned artist and former Director of the National Art School in Sydney, said, “I was honoured to be asked to be one of the judges of the inaugural National Capital Art Prize. I was really astounded by the breadth and depth of Australian talent this first round of judging revealed. It was extremely difficult to shortlist the finalists and I congratulate all of them for being selected.”
The National Capital Art Prize is making Australian art history as the only art competition to allow entrants to paint any vision, such as portrait, landscape or abstract and any subject. Every State and Territory can claim they have finalists in one or more of the four main categories which include Open, First Nations Prize for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander artists, Landscape and Student. Leading the way was New South Wales with 46 finalists, followed by Victoria with 21, Australian Capital Territory with 15, Western Australia with 12, Queensland with 10, Northern Territory with eight, South Australia with six and three from Tasmania.
Director and Founder of the National Capital Art Prize, Mr Robert Stephens, said he has been thrilled with the national response to the Awards and the astounding quality of the entries received.
“Some of Australia’s best-known artists have submitted works, with previous Archibald winners and outstanding emerging artists amongst the finalists we announced. This competition reflects the need
Australia has had for a forum where paintings of any type can be viewed, studied, critiqued, and sold – all through one competition. Australian artists have struggled for visibility over the last 12 months and these Awards provide a platform for exposure and commercial opportunity.” Mr Stephens said.
I would also like to thank our Gold Partner, Mineral Councils of Australia, who have enabled us to have a significant prize pool in our first year. Support from leading organisations is vital to the success of the Australian Arts Sector”, Robert said.
The 2021 National Capital Art Prize category winners will be announced in October, with a public exhibition in Canberra to follow.
Finalist artworks can be viewed HERE
For more information about the judges and the public exhibition visit HERE
Image: Llewellyn Swallow – Yarning Circles. Acrylic on Canvas, 91cm x 91cm.
