This new art prize strives to be Australia’s largest LGBTQI art prize.
Queer Art Prize Australia (QAPA) is a new non-acquisitive art prize that celebrates LGBTIQ art achievements around the country. The inaugural QAPA is an initiative of the Australian Pride Network, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes LGBTIQ Pride on a national level.
QAPA aims to be a non-discriminatory art prize to celebrate works relating to the LGBTIQ community or themes by any artist who resides in Australia or works by those identifying as LGBTIQ. It will be held at Chapel Off Chapel during the 2017 Midsumma Festival’s 30th-anniversary celebrations.
Striving to be Australia’s largest LGBTIQ art prize, QAPA aims to have selected works tour pride events across the country. There are also plans to produce a coffee table book of selected works providing a snapshot of current trends in the LGBTIQ artistic community.
QAPA Event Director and Co-curator Jimmy Twin said, “LGBTIQ artists and their work have played an instrumental role in developing all art forms throughout the rich history of the human race. It is an honour to be involved in such an exciting project, and I hope Queer Art Prize Australia will showcase both, the best LGBTIQ work in Australia and help promote emerging talent.”
All entries must have been completed during 2016 and can include any static (not-moving) art medium including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture or digital work. Only one entry per person will be accepted and the entry fee is $25.00.
The Judging Panel for the 2017 Queer Art Prize Australia includes 2015 Archibald Finalist Kim Leutwyler, Watch This Space Gallery Director/Curator Travis de Jonk, and Senior Graphic Designer at SMASH Enterprises Rachel ‘Rat’ Simpson.
For more information and to enter, click here.
Entries are now open and close Sunday 11 December 2016 at 11:59 pm.
Key Dates:
Submissions close: Sunday 11 December 2016
Finalists announced: Friday 16 December 2016
Winner announced: Friday 13 January 2017
Exhibition: Friday 13 January – Sunday 5 February 2017
