Inaugural gallery director returns as lead judge for Redland Art Awards

It is a history-repeats moment for the lead judge of the prestigious Redland Art Awards 2024.

Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said Steven Alderton, curator, art consultant and recent Director and CEO of the National Art School Sydney, would lead the judging panel this year for the biennial contemporary painting awards that are coordinated by Redland Art Gallery (RAG).

Mr Alderton is a former RAG Director, having overseen the establishment of the Redland City Council-operated gallery in Cleveland 21 years ago.

He worked closely with art historian and curator Bettina MacAulay on realising the new gallery located at Council’s administration building at the corner of Middle and Bloomfield streets. It later expanded to include a second gallery at Capalaba.

“We were excited by the opportunity the Cleveland gallery presented to local artists and art audiences,” Mr Alderton said of establishing the gallery in 2003.

“One challenge we faced was the entrance, the red block framing the front window and signage.

“We thought long and hard about where the front door was going to be, particularly as the Sunday Markets were so popular and we wanted to be able to complement the markets, other cultural facilities like the Redland Performing Arts Centre and shops in the precinct.”

Mr Alderton, who was with Council for three years from 2002 to 2005 as a cultural development officer and then gallery director, fondly recalled his time working there.

“I was excited to see the art space develop in Capalaba and to work with the many artists at Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) for a special exhibition, and to see the RAG flourish,” he said.

“I always enjoyed working with the volunteers at the gallery. They are the real heart and soul of everything we did.”

The gallery with its distinctive red brick and entrance feature facing Middle Street, officially opened in late 2003. In its first full financial year of operation it welcomed 35,290 visitors, held 24 exhibitions, and had 62 people participate in its volunteer program, according to Council’s 2004-2005 Annual Report.

Mayor Jos Mitchell said those impressive numbers showed the new gallery had been an instant success.

“Twenty-one years later it continues to be a stunning drawcard for our city’s arts community,” she said.

“It is a very welcoming space that makes art accessible. Literally you can walk in off the street and get your fill of art and culture. It is a very refreshing experience.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell agreed that RAG had been a constant drawcard for visitors and locals over the past two decades.

“That impressive red frame and covered entry deck really draws you in and, once inside, the scope and quality of the exhibitions have been an ongoing pride for Redlands Coast,” he said.

RAG Cleveland has strongly championed local artists over the years while building its reputation as a regional gallery of note.

Mr Alderton said he had seen a lot of growth in regional galleries over the past 21 years.

Since leaving RAG, Mr Alderton has held director positions at Lismore Regional Gallery and Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and was deputy director of the Australian Museum. He started at the National Art School Sydney in January 2017, resigning as its CEO last month.

“There have been huge changes in the past few years as regional galleries become more sophisticated in their programming, and more ambitious with scale and content of exhibitions,” Mr Alderton said.

“I think the biggest change has been that regional galleries curate a lot more shows about local ideas and issues, and work with local artists to support their practice.

“I am really excited to see regional galleries with a majority of self-generated exhibitions.”

Mr Alderton said he was also looking forward to seeing the entries in this year’s Redland Art Awards, in particular to note the “new ways of seeing and unique practice that is very personal to each artist”.

“I would like to see the artist’s identity and personal practice shine through,” he said of what he would be looking for as a judge.

“Be unique and comfortable making art that is about something that is dear to you and a style that is absolutely your own.”

Entries for this year’s awards close soon and will culminate in an exhibition featuring finalists’ artwork at RAG Cleveland, from Sunday 8 December 2024 to Tuesday 28 January 2025.

Winners of the primary award, runner-up awards and the member’s choice will be announced at a Redland Art Awards opening night event on Friday 6 December 2024.

At the end of the exhibition, the Meridith Foxton People’s Choice Award will be announced by its sponsors, Redland Yurara Art Society committee members.

RAG Manager Kerryanne Farrer said the total pool prize for the 2024 awards was more than $30,000.

“The primary award winner’s artwork will be acquired for the Redland Art Gallery Collection for the city,” Ms Farrer said.

“The biennial Redland Art Awards have been shining a light on outstanding Australian artists since 1981.

“We are so delighted to have Steven Alderton as lead judge this year, dovetailing with RAG’s 21st birthday celebrations.”

The awards are open to all Australian artists. Entries close Tuesday 8 October 2024, 3pm AEST. To enter and for more information go to redlandartawards.com.au