Pro Hart Outback Art Prize headlines huge night at gallery

Three exhibitions including the prestigious Pro Hart Outback Art Prize will be launched at the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery on Friday night.

The Prize received record entries for the second year in a row, with 325 entries initially lodged for this year's event.

That number has been narrowed down to 50 works, all of which will be on display for judging at the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery on August 3.

Judging will be undertaken by Gordon Morrison, who 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).

Council's Gallery and Museum Manager, Tara Callaghan, said the launch of the Prize and other exhibitions would be an amazing night for all in attendance.

"We have such a diverse range of quality entries this year, I think everyone who comes along will be very impressed," she said.

"And it's not just a night for art lovers - the works on display span so many mediums and topics that I think there will be something to pique the interest of anyone who attends."

The event will begin at 6pm, with official proceedings and judging getting underway from 6.30pm.

This year's competition 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.

Other exhibitions to be launched on the night include 'Deep Track Dry Bed' by young indigenous FRESHbark artists, and 'Dystopia' by Tom Phillips.

The Gallery will also celebrate the acquisition of a portrait of Pro Hart in his studio by photographer Robin Sellick.

Details on all exhibitions to be featured on the night can be found here https://www.brokenhill.nsw.gov.au/explore/regional-art-gallery/exhibitions