Art prize pool boosted

The Pilbara is now host to the two richest regional art awards in Australia after Hedland Art Awards announced a new record prize pool of $100,000 last month — a figure to rival the Cossack Art Awards.

The awards, to be held on August 20 as part of the North West Festival, have also been extended to allow Goldfields artists to enter alongside their Pilbara, Gascoyne, Mid West and Kimberley counterparts.

Presented by FORM and supported by BHP Billiton and the Town of Port Hedland, the event attracts hundreds of entries each year.

Mayor Kelly Howlett said the awards were a great cultural offering to the community.

“Hedland Art Awards celebrate the very best of our region and our talented artists,” she said.

[|“It’s always a stellar night on the social calendar.”]

The awards feature nine categories to provide emerging artists with an opportunity to display their work alongside highly regarded artists.

The winner for the top prize for most outstanding work will be awarded $30,000, with best indigenous and best-non-indigenous works attracting $20,000 each.

Other categories include the Kathy Donnelly judges award for $10,000, best work in a medium other than painting for $8000, best sculpture work for $8000, under-25 youth award for $2500, encouragement award for $2000 and the people’s choice for $1000.

BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pilbara manager communities Chris Cottier said the awards helped local artists gain national exposure.

“The Hedland Art Awards is not only a showcase for incredible talent but will this year also draw together Aboriginal Art Centres from the broader North West region for professional development opportunities through FORM’s supporting programming — something we are very proud to be involved in.”

Entry forms can be downloaded from www.courthousegallery.com.au.