AN inaugural national art award carrying a $10,000 first prize will see artists from across the country descend on Beechworth next month.
Ten artists were selected from close to 200 proposals received nationwide earlier this year for the Beechworth Contemporary Art Award taking place from September 16 to 18.
More than $20,000 in total prize money is up for grabs with $1,000 given to each finalist as an artist fee to assist with expenses such as transportation costs and insurance.
The artwork will be displayed in the streets, alleyways, parks and buildings around the town of Beechworth over the three days and not in a dedicated gallery space.
Woolshed Valley artist, educator and business owner Nina Machielse Hunt said an amazing selection of artists working in a variety of media and styles had submitted proposals to participate.
"The opportunity presented allowed artists to reflect on the preserved heritage and to create artwork in response to our beautiful town," she said.
"The selection panel of local art experts – Benjamin Gilbert, Michael Moran, Jake Lancaster, Glennys Briggs and Dianne Mangan were overwhelmed with the quality and calibre of the entries, making the final selection difficult."
Ms Machielse Hunt invited Sydney–based Sebastian Goldspink, curator of the recent 2022 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art, to visit and select the winner.
The highly regarded curator, writer and art director will present the major prize at the opening celebration event at Quercus Oregon Hall on Friday, September 16.
Selection panel member, Beechworth artist and former Wangaratta Regional Art Gallery director Ms Mangan, said the art award offered something very unique for the community.
"It's great to have an event that's new, vibrant and really contemporary in the region and especially for the Beechworth community," she said.
'With nationally and internationally renowned artists, the award's 10 finalists include Sydney digital media artist Deborah Kelly; Melbourne projection, installation, and interactive digital media artist Yandell Walton; Melbourne sculptor Bruce Armstrong...
