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The Tweed Regional Gallery is excited to announce finalists for its coveted biennial Wollumbin Art Award which showcases the strength and diversity of artists across the region.
A total of 72 finalists have been selected for the 2024 Wollumbin Art Award (WAA). The finalists were selected from 461 entries and their work will be on display in a finalist exhibition at the Gallery from Friday 6 September 2024.
The Award's pre-selection panel consisted of Director of Hazelhurst Arts Centre and proud descendant of the Burramattagal people of Western Sydney Sebastian Goldspink; Tweed Regional Gallery's Exhibitions Curator Tina Wilson, and Gallery Director Ingrid Hedgcock. Respected local Elder Aunty Joyce Summers joined the panel for all First Nations entries.
Ms Hedgcock said it was gratifying to see the quality of entries, noting this always made the task of selection more challenging.
"I know I speak on behalf of the entire pre-selection panel when I say we had a very strong pool this year, and we would like to sincerely thank all artists who submitted their entries," Ms Hedgcock said.
"We look forward to sharing the finalist exhibition with everyone in September."
Finalists are each vying for a $15,000 First Prize to be announced at the Awards night on Saturday 7 September from 5 pm.
In addition to the First Prize, there is a $10,000 First Nations Bundjalung Award sponsored by the Tweed Regional Gallery Foundation Ltd, and the $5,000 Emerging Artist Award supported by Leanne & Greg Tong-Lyon will also be announced.
Choosing the winner of each category will be WAA 2024 guest judge Sebastian Goldspink who will view all artworks installed in the exhibition prior to the Award announcements.
Wollumbin Youth Art Award
The winners of the 2024 Wollumbin Youth Art Award (WYAA) will also be announced on the night.
The Gallery's Education and Audience Development Officer Claire Conroy said announcing WYAA winners on the same night as the WAA showed young artists just how much they are supported and celebrated at a local level.
"The WAA and WYAA announcement will be part of our Spring Opening Celebrations and allows young artists the opportunity to build confidence by sharing the limelight with emerging and established artists," Ms Conroy said.
"To be featured at an event like this in a professional setting is an excellent learning experience and an opportunity for audiences to gain insights into the creative pursuits of young people in the region.
"I'd also like to thank every young person who sent in their work and urge them to keep creating and look out for the many opportunities at the Gallery to develop your passion for art, including visiting exhibitions and attending workshops. We look forward to seeing you at the Gallery soon."
WYAA 2024 guest judge and Children's Gallery Coordinator at HOTA Home of the Arts Jodi Ferrari, will also visit the Gallery prior to the Award announcement to view the young finalists' artworks as she makes her final decision.
The WAA exhibition will highlight the breadth and depth of artistic practice in the area with photographers, printmakers, painters, textile artists, ceramicists and filmmakers all represented, including works from well-established artists on display alongside emerging artists from across the region.
All 72 WAA finalist artworks will be on display at Tweed Regional Gallery from Friday 6 September to Sunday 24 November. The WYAA is on display at the Gallery from Friday 6 September to Sunday 17 November.
For those who cannot attend, follow the Gallery's Instagram channel for news of the live-streamed award announcements from 5.45 pm on Saturday 7 September.
