Published on Monday, 11 December 2023 at 2:06:13 PM
Local artists shined brightest as the prestigious Mid West Art Prize (MWAP) 2023 opened at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (GRAG) on Saturday night, with a burst of colour, light and sound.
Tickets booked out early for the exciting biennial exhibition that showcases new works by contemporary artists from across the State.
Taking over both floors of the Gallery, the event spilled out into GRAG Park where attendees enjoyed live music, street food and an outdoor bar.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune commended the winners and all those who made the event possible.
“Mid West Art Prize never fails to impress, and this year’s event was particularly special as all the winners from the Midwest, and we formally presented GRAG’s new large-scale mural Kingfisher’s Flight by Fremantle artist Imogen Palmer to the community,” he said.
“Congratulations to the overall winner Sakura Furukawa as well as Taileah Isaacs, Mark Ditcham and Willow Mcauliffe.
“My heartfelt thanks goes out to all the sponsors, contractors and staff who made this event the stunning success it was.”
Exhibition funding from the City of Greater Geraldton and valued local partners contributed to a total prize pool of $26,500.
Entries for MWAP 2023 closed Friday 8 September and were subject to two rounds of judging leading to the announcement of winners in the following categories:
- Sakura Furukawa, ‘The Ghost, the Shadows, the Imaginary’ - City of Greater Geraldton Overall Award for Excellence (Acquisitive) ($20,000)
- Taileah Isaacs, ‘Perspective’ - Yamaji Art Aboriginal Arts Awards ($3,500)
- Mark Ditcham, ‘Holding’ - Bowman-Bright Mid West Artist Award ($1,000)
- Willow Mcauliffe, ‘This is Not a Love Story’ - Latitude Jewellers Youth Award ($500)
“I encourage everyone to head down to GRAG to experience this fantastic exhibition and cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award,” Mayor Clune added.
“Whilst you are there don’t forget to check out the extraordinary new mural that now adorns the back of the Gallery.”
The MWAP Exhibition as well as voting for the People’s Choice Award will remain open at GRAG until Sunday 4 February 2024.
All votes cast in the People's Choice Award go into the draw for a chance to win a $50 Buy Local Greater Geraldton Gift Card.
The City of Greater Geraldton would like to thank the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and Lotterywest for supporting Mid West Art Prize 2023.
For more information on exciting upcoming events and exhibitions check out the GRAG website.
ENDS:
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