Prestigious art prize returns

St Patrick’s College’s Flanagan Art Prize is returning as a major competition and exhibition next year.

Held annually since 2008 before becoming a residency in 2019, the competition celebrates emerging and established artists across a range of forms.

Next year’s competition will see a major exhibition of shortlisted works and a total of $18,000 in prize money available across six categories.

The inaugural Young Flanagan Prize and Clontarf Academy Prize will also be introduced to allow secondary school-aged students to share their talent.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the return of the Flanagan Art Prize as a major competition and exhibition after pivoting to a residency in 2019,” said St Patrick’s College principal Steven O’Connor.

“This highly regarded event not only showcases outstanding artistic talent from across Australia but also enriches our school community by exposing our students to the transformative power of the arts.”

The prize is named after St Patrick’s College alumnus Noel Flanagan, former director and curator of the Australian War Memorial, and encourages students to create and appreciate art.

The College acquires the main prize-winning artwork and Flanagan Art Prize coordinator Wendy Sheridan said the competition broadens students’ horizons.

“What we want them to see is that art comes in many forms, it’s not always just beautiful, realistic things, it is an expression that’s about something,” she said.

“It opens their eyes to what they can create and the sorts of things they can do with art.”

Entries are open until Friday 7 February 2025 and more information can be found on the St Patrick’s College’s website.