2021 Prize
Finalists
Akil Ahamat
Tiyan Baker
Christopher Bassi
Leon Russell (Cameron) Black
Ohni Blu
Riana Head-Toussaint
Visaya Hoffie
Kait James
Alexa Malizon
Kyra Mancktelow
Ivy Minniecon
Nina Sanadze
Jayanto Tan
Joanne Wheeler
Curator
Grace Herbert
Judge
Rhana Devenport ONZM
Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia
Official Opening and Prize Announcement
Friday 8 October 2021
Exhibition Dates
9 October–18 December 2021
Location
Institute of Modern Art
Judith Wright Arts Centre
420 Brunswick St
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
About the Prize
the churchie emerging art prize returns to the IMA for the third year in 2021, showcasing work by Australia’s best emerging artistic talent and offering a prize pool of $25,000.
With a legacy built over 34 years, the prize provides a platform for up-and-coming Australian artists to be profiled on a national stage. The prize provides valuable exposure, an exhibition opportunity at one of Australia’s leading contemporary art spaces, curatorial support, and a career-boosting chance at the $15,000 major prize.
The call for entries is open for six weeks, 10 May–20 June 2021. Artists of all ages and disciplines who identify as early career and are Australian citizens or residents are invited to apply. ‘the churchie’ accepts applications from artists working in all visual art forms—from drawing and painting to performance and conceptual works.
Applicants are invited to submit up to five examples of their work, providing the selection panel with a more holistic view of their practice. The guest curator Grace Herbert will help selected artists put their best foot forward in the exhibition and all finalists will receive artist fees and freight support to present their work at the IMA.
The Major Prize winner will receive a $15,000 non-acquisitive cash prize provided by long-standing sponsor BSPN Architecture, to be announced by a guest judge at the opening of the exhibition Friday 8 October 2021.
The judge will also award a Special Commendation Prize of $5,000, sponsored by Fardoulys Constructions, as well as two $1,000 Commendation Prizes sponsored by Madison Cleaning Services. A People’s Choice Award of $3,000, also sponsored by Madison Cleaning Services, will be awarded by popular vote at the conclusion of the finalists’ exhibition.
The finalists will work with the recently announced guest curator Grace Herbert—who will curate the exhibition and support artists in exhibiting their work—in a role sponsored by Armitstead ART Consulting. The finalists’ exhibition will be on view at the IMA, Brisbane 9 October–18 December 2021.
