Shoalhaven Regional Gallery has been nominated in four categories in this year's 2021 IMAGinE Awards.
The IMAGinE awards are an initiative of Museums & Galleries of NSW, developed with support from Australian Museums and Galleries Association NSW and Regional and Public Galleries of NSW.
This year Shoalhaven City Council's Regional Art Gallery has been named a finalist in the following categories:
- Exhibition projects: galleries with 4 or less paid staff for the exhibitions the TERRA within and Wonder + Dread: Art in the land of weather extremes
- Engagement programs with 3 –10 paid staff: Art Detectives programs
Warwick Keen was also nominated and is a finalist in the ACHAA Award for Excellence by an Aboriginal Curator, for his work as Curator of the TERRA within exhibition.
The Art Detectives Program is part of a learning program for preschool and primary school students. As Art Detectives they are encouraged to engage in close looking at artworks and become familiar with the language used to describe artwork and art techniques.
The WONDER + DREAD exhibition explored artistic responses to extreme weather events in Australia over more than 200 years. Two commissioned works were displayed alongside significant works borrowed from galleries, organisations and private collections of note, resulting in a calibre of art experience not previously experienced in the Shoalhaven.
The TERRA within exhibition was planned to coincide with the 250th Anniversary of Cook's charting of the east coast of Australia. With over 30 Indigenous artists included in the exhibition, many voices were heard in this truth-telling project, offering all viewers an opportunity to reflect on Australia's hidden history.
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley was delighted to receive the news of the nominations.
"Once again the efforts of our staff at the Shoalhaven Regional Art Gallery is being recognised, they work incredibly hard to bring outstanding exhibitions and programs to the region", Clr Findley said.
"Over the last year Shoalhaven residents and visitors have been treated to a number of outstanding exhibitions and programs at the Regional Gallery, including a major exhibition, the TERRA within, which explored the themes impact and survival in relation to the 250th Anniversary of Cook's voyage to the east coast of Australia, featuring powerful artworks by more than 30 Indigenous artists", Clr Findley said.
"Whilst the Shoalhaven Regional Art Gallery is closed to the public due to current COVID-19 restrictions, we are hopeful that it won't be too long before we can welcome visitors once again", Clr Findley said.
The Awards Ceremony will be held virtually on Thursday 25 November 2021.
