Two of Australia’s most significant art personalities are being recognized for their respective contributions to the arts with the Australia Council Visual Arts Award and Medal.
Tracey Moffatt, one of Australia’s most recognisable contemporary artists and Juliana Engberg, Artistic Director of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, are being honoured at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art this evening, surrounded by family, friends and arts sector leaders, with a keynote address to be delivered by Simon Mordant AM, philanthropist and Chief Commissioner of the Venice Biennale.
“Tracey Moffatt’s outstanding contribution to the cultural life of this nation has been acknowledged with the 2012 Australia Council Visual Arts Award,” says Rupert Myer AM, Chair of the Australia Council, who is presenting the $40,000 award to Moffatt this evening. Known for Something More, her groundbreaking photographic series, Moffatt has featured in over 100 solo exhibitions in Australia and internationally.
Juliana Engberg, who is receiving the $10,000 Medal, has curated over 400 exhibitions in a career spanning nearly 30 years. In addition, she is a prolific writer and editor, having made numerous contributions to books, catalogues and journals. “Few individuals have made such a distinguished contribution to the development of the Australian visual arts sector as Juliana Engberg,” says Myer. “As a curator and advocate for Australian art she has taken the work of Australian artists to the world and brought the best of international practice back to Australia.
The Award and Medal recognise valuable contributions to the Arts in Australia, and Moffatt and Engberg are deserving recipients, having each made staggering contributions to the Australian arts industry.
Australia Council Visual Arts Laureate Award and Medal
Image: Tracey Moffatt (left) and Juliana Engberg (right)
