A prize that CAPS all others

The Collie Art Gallery has launched an ambitious biennial major art event, with the largest single art prize to be awarded throughout regional Australia.

The acquisitive first prize of $50,000 cash has been made possible thanks to the generous commitment of Collie & Districts Community Bank Branch of the Bendigo Bank.

Two non-acquisitive prizes of $5000 cash and a complimentary exhibition at the Collie Art Gallery are also to be awarded thanks to the Rotary Club of Collie, as well as a non-acquisitive People’s Choice prize of $1000 cash presented by local accommodation provider Whispering Pines.

The inaugural CAP is expected to attract interest from top-class artists from across Australia, as well as arts lovers and collectors.

Entering competitions can offer unrivalled opportunities in terms of being seen and maybe getting selected. That’s gold for an artist.

Anne Ryan, Curator Art Gallery of New South Wales

ABC News online Tue 6 Sept

An exploration of identity

The town of Collie is undertaking a process of resurgence and revitalisation as the long-term changes in industry and local business adapt to contemporary shifts and trends.

Our identity is being re-examined. Australia as a nation is also struggling to define its identity.

We can relate, therefore, to the theme of Identity and whilst the collection, over time, will reflect a broader and nationalistic outlook to the theme, the community of Collie may well find comparisons to their own local identities

The Collie Art Prize’s theme of Identity invites artists to submit significant artworks which will explore the age-old issues of identity and belonging that define who we are and how we relate to the world around us.

Factors that can be explored include upbringing, past experiences, gender, race or nationality, culture, age or maturity, education, work experience, socio-economic groups, religion, beliefs and values, the groups we belong to and the people we admire.

The competition invites entries in a variety of mediums and artistic treatment of the subject that will ultimately combine in an exhibition which will provoke discussion and introspection.

The theme is open to the exploration of our various identities and groups we belong to as they change over time and in different contexts.

Trudi Curran, Gallery Chairperson

A significant collection over time

The anticipated variety of interpretations for the theme of Identity, reflected in the creative and personal perceptions of a range of artists, diverse in background, influence and technique, will write a narrative in art of Australia’s changing Identity.

Each artwork entered will be accompanied by an artist’s statement that explains how the work relates to the subject.

The winning works and statements in the biennial Collie Art Prize will form a significant collection of works as well as a history of Australia’s changing identity.

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