The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre
An innovative multi-arts hub in the heart of Blacktown City.
BCAP19 People’s Choice Prize
Blacktown Arts congratulates Sydney artist Sara Sohrabian on winning this year’s Blacktown City Art Prize People’s Choice Prize, for her mixed media work, I am in a relationship with the sun. This work was one of 114 works selected for exhibition in the Blacktown City Art Prize, 30 November 2019 – 25 January 2020.
The Blacktown City Art Prize is one of the largest open-entry art prizes in the western Sydney area. This year a record number of entries were received, with over 531 works submitted.
The independent judging panel commented on the great diversity of approaches, practices and mediums employed by this year’s entrants across drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, mixed media and ceramics. This demonstrated the strength of local artists as well as highly recognised artists. ‘Many of the artworks in the exhibition start conversations about important issues and also provide an educational experience.’ Works were judged by Michelle Paterson, founder and director of .M Contemporary, Emily McDaniel, Independent Indigenous Curator and Cath Barcan, artist and Head Teacher, Photoimaging/Visual Arts, Nepean Centre for Art & Design.
Visitors to The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre were encouraged to vote for the People’s Choice Prize, and the winner, who receives $1000 in prize money, is calculated by popular vote. The opportunity to vote for this award enables the local community to participate in the judging of one of the most prestigious art prizes held in western Sydney.
The Blacktown City Art Prize attracts the best artistic talent from across the country, with a significant number of entries submitted by local artists and 19% of finalists being from the Blacktown area. The Blacktown City Art Prize celebrates the creativity of local young people with an environmentally-themed Young Artists Prize. This section is open to 5 – 15 year olds who live or go to school in Blacktown City.
Blacktown Arts, along with Blacktown City Council, congratulates all finalists in this year’s Prize, and looks forward to the 25th Blacktown City Art Prize in 2020.
