Council has announced the finalists in the prestigious Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Art 2023.
A total of 302 entries responding to the theme 'Future' were received, with 42 artworks shortlisted by an independent panel. Of these, eight are local artists.
The biennial acquisitive art prize is open to emerging and established artists working in any medium across Australia.
The prize is presented in association with Montsalvat and the Finalists Exhibition will be held at the Barn Gallery from Friday 21 April to Sunday 11 June 2023.
The winner of the Open Prize ($20,000 acquisitive), Local Prize ($10,000 acquisitive) and Mayor's Award ($500) will be announced on the opening evening.
The People's Choice Award will be announced on Tuesday 20 June 2023.
Nillumbik Mayor Ben Ramcharan said it was terrific to see such a great range of emerging and established artists represented amongst the finalists, many from here in Nillumbik as well as from every state and territory across Australia.
"The theme 'Future' is expansive and during uncertain times the future is any number of possibilities. I'm looking forward to seeing this major exhibition. Cr Ramcharan said.
The artworks were shortlisted by Jane Trengove, artist and disability advocate, Steph Noah, Curator, Banyule City Council, and Spiro Panigirakis, Head of Fine Art Department, Monash University.
Jane Trengove said, "There was a significant number of outstanding submissions, making selection of works a tough call due to the strength of the field. However, my fellow judges and I were in happy agreement on the finalists chosen for 2023, and congratulate the artists on their exceptional works."
The winners will be selected by a separate panel including Hannah Presley, Senior Curator, Museums and Collections, University of Melbourne, Melissa Keys, Senior Curator, Heide Museum of Modern Art, and Jason Smith, Director and CEO, Geelong Gallery.
The full list of finalists can be viewed at nillumbik.vic.gov.au/NPCA
