Grand Opening to Reveal Winner of $10,000 Acquisitive Art Prize! (29 August 2008)
This Friday 5th September will be a special moment in local history when City of Busselton President, Cr Wes Hartley, formally opens the new Art Geo Gallery and unveils the winner of the inaugural $10,000 Acquisitive Art Prize.
City of Busselton is pleased to be able to provide ongoing encouragement for local artists in its bid to strengthen the community through the Arts and further cultural and heritage tourism within our region.
The theme for the Art Prize is 'Signature South West '. Artists have been inspired by the theme and have captured the region's spiritual heart, expressed through its people, environment and culture.
The artwork that is awarded the First Prize of $10,000 will be acquired by the City of Busselton and become an addition to the City of Busselton's growing art collection.
Local businesses Busselton Toyota and Busselton Machining & Diesels have sponsored the People's Choice prize of $500 and the Local Art Prize of $250 respectively.
The competition has attracted high profile local artists Jenny Taylor and Douglas Kirsop and renowned Perth judges Paula Silbert, Paul Thompson and Keith Sinclair, who will utilise their expertise as they select the winning entries.
Paula Silbert is best known for her weekly arts round-up on MIX 94.5FM 'Smart Arts' broadcasting for 10 years. Keith Sinclair is a board member of Disability in the Arts, Disadvantage in the Arts WA (DADAA). DADAA is an organisation which provides arts activities across the state for those with a physical or mental disability. Paul Thompson is the Executive Director of Art On The Move and has participated as a judge in many art awards and acquisitions over the past 20 years. Paul enjoys the challenges judging brings to such a subjective activity.
The judges are available in person for a photo opportunity and interview about the artworks on 4th September 2008 between 2pm - 4pm at the ArtGeo Gallery, 11 Queen Street Busselton.
'Signature South West' opens to the public on Saturday 6th September 2008 and runs until 4th October 2008.