The coveted $15,000 Tasmanian art award tidal.12 will feature an impressive line-up of national artists.
The National Finalist Exhibition, which is a cultural initiative of the Devonport City Council, opens on Thursday December 6 at the Devonport Regional Art Gallery, and runs for two months.
“The Devonport City Council recognises the importance of tidal and its contribution to the cultural life of the city of Devonport,” said Mayor Steve Martin.
The bi-annual tidal Award attracts artists from across Australia at various stages in their careers. Previous major award recipients have included Patrick Pound, Neil Haddon, Marian Drew and Matthew Newton.
Twenty seven national finalists have been selected by judges Humphrey Clegg and Craig Judd for the 2012 acquisitive award which will be presented by Mayor Martin on December 6 at 6.30 pm. Council will retain the winning art in its permanent collection.
This year the Peoples’ Choice Award valued at $1,000 is being sponsored for the first time by Collins Realty.
The Devonport Regional Gallery will host a series of events and workshops for the duration of tidal including musical events, outdoor art workshops and walking tours along the NW coastline. The tidal program continues to grow and contributes to greater community engagement and knowledge about our environment.
A highlight of the outdoor workshops will be four days of Open Air Sculpture displays in January and workshops at the Mersey Bluff by artist Ross Byers. …/2
Background:
City Tidal: City of Devonport Art Award also known as tidal was launched in 2004. The Award was initiated by then director Jane Stewart and the Special Committee of the Devonport Regional Gallery and funded through the Devonport City Council. In 2010 the Major Award was made acquisitive and increased from $10,000 to $15,000 thanks to the dedication of the Friends Committee who raised the extra $5,000.
The tidal Award provides a contemporary platform for artists to reflect upon the myriad perspectives and challenges inherent within the interconnections of land and sea while also encouraging excellence in concept, innovation and execution of 2-dimensional artwork.
Astrid Joyce Education and Public Programs Officer | Devonport Regional Gallery
