Art prize goes digital

Published on 01 April 2020

It will take more than a pandemic to stop the Pro Hart Outback Art Prize as organisers work to move the prize online.

Council’s Gallery and Museum Manager, Tara Callaghan, said positive discussions with the Hart family had led to the prize being moved to a digital platform.

"We have agreed that running the prize this year is a really great way to keep people’s spirits up and keep people engaging with the Gallery and Broken Hill, albeit at a distance," said Ms Callaghan.

"A lot of artists will be working in isolation and they can enter their works online to be in the running for the $20,000 acquisitive first prize.

"The prize is due to open at BHRAG in July 2020, however we are going to remain flexible with the opening date, even if this is later in 2020."

Entries are open until 29 May 2020, with the option to extend the closing date if required. All entries are to be lodged online, and the first round of panel judging will be digital.

The guest judge for 2020 will be Director of the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, Susi Muddiman OAM.

It is hoped the exhibition of finalists' works will be the first major event when the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery is able to resume normal operating hours.

"I think everyone will be curious to see what kind of art this difficult period in history will produce," said Ms Callaghan.

"The current isolation measures will provide plenty of time for artists to channel their creativity, and I believe the works that emerge will be truly fascinating."

Ms Callaghan thanked the Hart family for their ongoing support in this difficult time.

More information on the prize can be found on the Gallery’s website: bhartgallery.com.au