Finalists announced for $30,000 Wollumbin Art Award

THE TWEED Regional Gallery has announced 72 finalists for the biennial Wollumbin Art Award, showcasing the calibre of artists across the region.

The finalists were selected from 461 entries from artists living in Tweed, Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Scenic Rim Shires, Richmond Valley, Lismore, and Gold Coast City.

The finalist exhibition opens on September 6.

Artists are vying for a $15,000 first prize, which will be announced at the awards night on September 7.

The prize includes a two-week residency at the gallery’s Nancy Fairfax Artist in Residence Studio.

Other awards include a $10,000 First Nations Bundjalung Award sponsored by the Tweed Regional Gallery Foundation Ltd. and a $5,000 Emerging Artist Award supported by Leanne and Greg Tong-Lyon.

The award’s pre-selection panel consisted of Sebastian Goldspink, director of Hazelhurst Arts Centre and descendant of the Burramattagal people of Western Sydney; Tina Wilson, curator of exhibitions at the gallery; and Ingrid Hedgcock, director of the gallery.

Local Elder Aunty Joyce Summers joined the panel for all First Nations entries.

Ms Hedgcock said the high quality of entries made the selection task even more challenging.

“We had a very strong pool this year, and we would like to thank all artists who submitted their entries sincerely.

“We look forward to sharing the finalist exhibition with everyone in September.”

The winners of the 2024 Wollumbin Youth Art Award will also be announced on the night judged by Jodi Ferrari, Children’s Gallery co-ordinator at HOTA Home of the Arts.

Education and audience development officer Claire Conroy said announcing the youth winners on the same night showed young artists how much they are supported and celebrated.

“The announcement will be part of our Spring Opening Celebrations and allows young artists to build confidence by sharing the limelight with emerging and established artists,” she said.

The exhibition showcases photographers, printmakers, painters, textile artists, ceramicists and filmmakers, with works from well-established artists displayed alongside emerging artists.

The exhibition will run from September 6 to November 24, and the gallery will live-stream award announcements from 5.45pm on September 7.

For information, head to gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/prizes-awards/wollumbin-art-award