Since its inception in 1987, ‘the churchie’ emerging art prize has sought to identify and profile the next generation of contemporary artists from across Australia.
Congratulations Akil Ahamat, Tiyan Baker, Christopher Bassi, Leon Russell (Cameron) Black, Ohni Blu, Riana Head-Toussaint, Visaya Hoffie, Kait James, Alexa Malizon, Kyra Mancktelow, Ivy Minniecon, Nina Sanadze, Jayanto Tan, and Joanne Wheeler; plucked from almost 500 entries to become the recently announced finalists of the ‘the churchie’ emerging art prize 2021.
Jayanto Tan, Hungry Ghosts 2 (Potluck Party – Pandan Lamington), ceramic, 6 x 20 x 20cm
This year’s pre-selection was undertaken by guest curator Grace Herbert, representatives from the Institute of Modern Art and ‘the churchie’, and a guest artist. About the process, Herbert said, ‘There was a large pool of incredibly strong applicants to this years’ prize. I feel privileged to have seen such a diversity of practice coming from emerging artists around the country.’
The finalists’ exhibition will be held at the Institute of Modern Art in Brisbane from 9 October to 18 December 2021. The official opening and announcement of the overall winner will take place on Friday, 8 October.
Tiyan Baker, Juruh, 2020, installation view at Artspace, Sydney
Offering a total prize pool of $25,000, the overall winner receives a non-acquisitive $15,000 cash prize donated by long-standing sponsor BSPN Architecture, selected by this year’s guest judge Rhana Devenport ONZM, Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia. A $5,000 Special Commendation prize sponsored by Fardoulys Constructions and two Commendation prizes of $1,000 sponsored by Madison Cleaning Services will also be awarded. At the conclusion of the exhibition, a People’s Choice Award of $3,000, also sponsored by Madison Cleaning Services, will be awarded.
Best of luck to all 14 finalists!
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