Not for profit organisation, Melbourne Art Foundation (MAF) recognised and celebrated innovation and excellence to the Australian Visual Arts sector with its prestigious Awards for the Visual Arts, held on Thursday 20 August 2015, at the National Gallery of Victoria and attended by over 250 acclaimed industry figures.
Award categories include the Artist Award, recognising the renowned achievement of an Australian artist for a comprehensive body of work; the Visionary Award, which acknowledges the dedication of individuals and their demonstrated commitment to progressing the status of contemporary Australian art, and the newly introduced Young Artist Award.
Recently recognised for his distinguished service to the visual and performing arts, veteran businessman and philanthropist Rupert Myer AO acted as the special guest presenter of the Visionary Award and announced dedicated collector, patron and supporter of the contemporary arts, John Kaldor AM as the worthy recipient. Joining the good company of past recipients such as Peter & Joan Clemenger, Marc Besen AO, Eva Besen AO and Ann Lewis AO, the Visionary Award acknowledges Kaldor’s unwavering support of Australian art through his commissions and support of some of the nation’s most important artists. Kaldor has brought the most innovative and groundbreaking art to Australia for over 45 years through what is now the not-for-profit organisation Kaldor Public Art Projects. The award, which was received by Kaldor’s son Michael Kaldor on the evening, is a handcrafted sculpture by Australian artist Ewen Coates.
The prominent Artist Award, which honours the outstanding achievement of a living Australian artist and the significance of their practice through a comprehensive body of work, was presented to Melbourne-born contemporary artist Bill Henson. Announced by arts enthusiast Barry Humphries via video link, the award celebrates the impact of Henson’s extensive career; from his debut solo exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria in 1975 to today and including major Australian and international collections. Previous recipients of the Artist Award include Patricia Piccinini, Fiona Hall, John Mawurndjul, Peter Booth and James Gleeson AO.
Introduced by the Melbourne Art Foundation to support the next generation of artistic practice, the inaugural Young Artist Award provides an artist under the age of 35 with financial assistance toward a prominent international residency. The recipient of the award was announced by Senior Curator of Contemporary Art at the National Gallery of Victoria Max Delany as talented young Australian Daniel Boyd.
Speaking on behalf of the Melbourne Art Foundation, Chair Anna Pappas reaffirmed her admiration for this year’s diverse selection pool; “The breadth of nominations for each award at this year’s Awards for the Visual Arts is a testament to a high level of Australian talent and devotion by industry figures to a thriving and inspiring arts sector. We are happy and humbled to be able to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of our befitting award recipients John Kaldor AM, Bill Henson and Daniel Boyd to our local industry,” Pappas said.
www.melbourneartfoundation.com/foundation/awards-for-the-visual-arts/
Bill Henson at the 2015 MAF Awards for the Visual Arts
Photo: Tim O’Connor
