The City of Fremantle's 25under25 Art Award returns this Friday 27 September at the Moores Building Contemporary Art Gallery with a spectacular exhibition from emerging Western Australian artists aged between 14 and 25.
Now in its eighth year, 25under25 celebrates the strength and vibrancy these young artists bring to our creative community, as well as provides them with valuable, professional exhibition experience to help guide their art careers.
25under25 coordinator Sheridan Coleman said this year's 25 selected artists received industry-level professional development at an installation and art writing workshop in the lead up to the exhibition at Moores Building.
"Many of our incredible artists have little to no experience in exhibiting their artwork, so this is the first time showing their work in a public forum," Dr Coleman said.
"An artist's job is not finished when they put the last brushstroke on their painting or pull their ceramic sculpture out of the kiln.
"We help them start to think about the whole practice of exhibiting, including booking a venue, marketing, design and thinking very carefully about what techniques should be used to install their artwork. All this contributes to how a gallery visitor will connect with the artwork they've created."
Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said 25under25 unveiled some of the most promising, innovative and skilled young artists of the future.
"Over the years, 25under25 has helped launch notable, professional art careers for many artists," Mayor Pettitt said.
"We've seen artists stage their own solo exhibitions, establish thriving art workshops and branch out internationally.
"The artworks this year span a range of social and cultural issues, and I encourage everyone to come down and check out the exhibition."
The Art Award winner will receive $1500 cash and a four-week studio residency at Fremantle Arts Centre, while the winner of the Highly Commended prize will receive $500 cash and a portfolio mentorship with Fremantle Arts Centre Curator Ric Spencer. The People's Choice Award - voted by the public over the course of the exhibition - will receive a $250 art materials pack from Jacksons Drawing Supplies at the end of the exhibition.
The 25under25 Art Award opening night kicks off at 6pm this Friday 27 September. The exhibition is open daily 8am-4pm, and runs from Saturday 28 September-Sunday 6 October. The opening night and exhibition are free entry and open to the public.
