If you’re a People Choice winner at the Archibald the chances are you’re already famous; if you’re a People’s Choice winner at this exhibition you may yet be famous – and you’ll certainly find yourself in the public spotlight.
Whether judged best entry in one of three categories or voted People’s Choice, the winning artists in the 2007 National Tertiary Art Prize will be taking their first steps into the national public art space.
Now in its 15th year, this national exhibition is being held this year at the Phyllis Palmer Gallery at La Trobe University, Bendigo - hosted by the Bendigo Student Association, representing the Australasian Association of Campus Activities, a professional network embracing more than 80 member Universities and TAFEs around Australia.
The competition is considered the visual art equivalent of events such as the National Campus Band Competition and the Australian University Games – both regarded as springboards for musicians and sportspeople embarking on successful careers. It provides a rare chance for Australia’s newest young artists to catch the attention of the art market.
The exhibition will run from September 4 to September 13, featuring 59 student finalists exhibiting from around the country in a variety of media. It will be officially opened by Leanne Fitzgibbon, Senior Curator Programming and Access of Bendigo Art Gallery, on Thursday September 6 at 5:30pm, and awards announced and presented by the Judges soon after.
Prize-winning entries in each of three categories will be judged by distinguished Bendigo artist Dr. Noela Stratford (currently represented by Judith Pugh Gallery, Melbourne), photographer and photo artist Jeff Moorfoot, and ceramic artist Garry Bish, who will also present the awards. (The categories are painting, works on paper, and printmaking; photography, photo media, and electronic art; and sculpture and installation.)
Ms Fitzgibbon said the competition gives Australian tertiary students their first chance of competing with their peers nationally.
“It’s their opportunity to experience early in their careers participating in a group exhibition, presenting their work in a wider arena, and gaining feedback from members of the public, their peers and of course from the judges,” Ms Fitzgibbon said.
“Many will have been working in private, within the walls of a university, so this will be their first opportunity to venture out into the public eye - and we hope the first step of what will be a very successful journey.”
The exhibition is supported by La Trobe University, Bendigo Wine Estate, IGA Strathvillage, Bart’n Print and Art Almanac.
Monday, 3 September 2007National tertiary art prize 2007 - not quite the Archibald but a rare springboardIt may not be the Archibald, but winning the People’s Choice category at the annual National Tertiary Art Prize may be every bit as career-building for a young artist in Australia’s student art world.
Inquiries
Andrea Kornhoff, Events Manager, Bendigo Students Association. Tel. 03 5444 7988 Email: a.kornhoff@latrobe.edu.au
Address: Phyllis Palmer Gallery: Gate 8, Sharon Street, Bendigo. Website: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/visualarts/ppg/