the churchie emerging art prize

Save the date!

Prize announcement: Friday 22 November 6 to 8 pm at Metro Arts, West End. Churchie families are invited to attend the exciting prize announcement event, open to everyone.

From a pool of over 500 entrants, 16 emerging artists have been selected to exhibit as finalists and be considered for prizes totalling over $40,000 in the country’s most diverse art prize for emerging contemporary artists—the churchie emerging art prize (‘the churchie’).

Each artist was selected based on the diversity, innovation and uniqueness applied to their creation, showcasing Australian contemporary art in practice. Each work of art will be displayed at the Finalists’ Exhibition from 22 to 30 November 2024, hosted at Metro Arts.

The national prize invites early-career artists over 18, regardless of age, practice or medium, to exhibit and be considered for awards totalling over $40,000.

The major prize, sponsored by BSPN Architecture, has increased to $30,000, reflecting the growing excitement and engagement with the emerging artist award. Finalists will also be considered for a $5,000 Special Commendation Award by Fardoulys Constructions, two Commendations valued at $1,500 each (sponsored by A1 Frames), and a People’s Choice Prize valued at $3,000.

Now in its 37th year, ‘the churchie’ is Australia’s longest-running prize for emerging artists. It provides an exceptional platform for career opportunities, education and direct engagement with the broader arts community.

Congratulations to:
Marion Abraham, Josie Alexandra, Joel Arthur, Nick Breedon, Chun Yin ‘Rainbow’ Chan, Samantha Dennis, Claire Ellis, Ming Liew, Edwina McLennan, Shannon O’Hara, Sid Pattni, Josina Pumani, Chrystal Rimmer, Nicholas Smith, Melissa Stannard and Prita Tina Yeganeh.

This year, the churchie committee has invited QAGOMA’s Curator of Australian Art, Samantha Littley, to judge the artworks and select the recipients of the Overall Winner and Commendation awards. Samantha Littley has enjoyed a varied career as a curator, writer and educator at a range of cultural institutions, including the National Gallery of Australia, Australian National University and the University of Queensland Art Museum.

The exhibition will take place at Metro Arts this November, continuing the institution’s legacy of promoting innovation and excellence across art, as well as supporting the future of Australian contemporary arts practice.