Another record for Pro Hart Outback Art Prize

The Pro Hart Outback Art Prize has attracted record entries for the second year in a row, with 325 applications received.

The tally comfortably surpasses the previous record of 265 set in the lead up to last year's competition.

Council's Gallery and Museum Manager, Tara Callaghan, said the ongoing growth in entries was reflective of the time and effort spent promoting the event.

"We've again had record entries from all States across Australia, which shows the focus on advertising and extra media attention has been successful,” said Ms Callaghan.

“It also helped that we had an amazing and thought-provoking winner last year with renowned artist Abdul-Rahman Abdullah’s work.

"This year’s entries closed on June 15, and the panel have since had a very difficult job in narrowing the field to 49 finalists.

"But that process is now complete, we have an amazing array of art across a number of mediums, and I can't wait for it all to go on display at our launch event."

Judging will be undertaken by Gordon Morrison at the exhibition launch on 3 August at the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery.

Mr Morrison has an extensive career in arts and culture, and has held senior positions with the National Gallery of Victoria and the Art Gallery of Ballarat (2004 - 2018).

This year's event will consist of an acquisitive first prize ($15,000), a non-acquisitive second prize ($2,500), a non-acquisitive Encouragement Award ($1,000), and a People's Choice Award ($500).

The Pro Hart Outback Art Prize is funded by Council, and the Hart family. Council wishes to thank the Hart family for their generous continued support of this event.