Nici Cumpston to judge top art prize
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Entries are now open for the region’s most prestigious art competition, the Pro Hart Outback Art Prize, with Nici Cumpston named as the guest judge for this year’s competition.
Ms Cumpston is the Curator of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art and Artistic Director of TARNANTHI Festival at Art Gallery of South Australia, and has a long and successful career as both a practicing artist and curator.
As a descendant of the Barkindji people, her connection to the Far West of New South Wales will provide a unique interpretation of the theme of the prize.
The prize aims to showcase art in any medium which reflects the spirit and diversity of the Australian Outback; this year, boasting an increased prize pool of $23,000.
The annual event expects to see a large number of entries after receiving a record 325 submissions last year. Nici will be amongst a panel of judges who have the very difficult task of narrowing down the entries to a shortlist of selected works to go on display for the exhibition, opening 19th July at the Gallery.
Gallery and Museum Manager Tara Callaghan said it was exciting to offer an increased prize pool this year and welcome Nici into the judging process.
“Due to the ever growing interest in the Pro Hart Outback Art Prize, we are pleased to announce that the first prize is now $20,000 for 2019,” she said.
“The prize is a calendar highlight for the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery and we look forward to another year of high quality entries. We are honoured to have such a professional and well respected judge in Nici to help with the difficult task of shortlisting entries and judging the winner.”
“We’re very thankful for the generous ongoing support from Mrs Raylee Hart and the Hart family who continue to make the prize possible.”
Last year saw Sydney artist, Amanda Izzard take out the top prize with her work “Squall over Kata Tjuta”, along with Melbourne artist Paul White, and local artist Asma d. Mather being awarded prizes.
Entries for the competition close on May 31 – for more information or to submit your entry online, visit bhartgallery.com.au.