The Blake Prize increased to $15,000 in 2005
18 May 2005
The Blake Society is very pleased to announce the Blake Prize for Religious Art is this year proudly gifted by Edwina Storey who has inherited a passion for art and the Blake in particular, from her late mother Penny Henchman.
Penny was a Director for many years, a keen art collector and a great supporter of the Blake Society. Edwina has lived in Europe, Scandinavia and the Middle East and has developed a great love and respect for all aspects of the religious spectrum. This year's prize is in her mother's honour.
"Increasing the value of the Prize is a wonderful step forward for the Blake Prize for Religious Art," says Chairman Rose Peterson," and one of many exciting future prospects for a cultural icon that for over half a century has aroused deep passions, whether it be the slings and arrows of outraged critics, clergy, artists and the public, or their rapturous acclaim. That is the power and the mystery that has brought the Blake Prize now into its 54th year and keeps it relevant in today's world."
"I have long juggled a multi-faceted career as historian, teacher, children's author and radio presenter which grounds me in several disciplines and presents me with new and exciting possibilities and challenges every day. So it is with the Blake. It is firmly grounded as a premier and unique, independent Australian cultural institution that embraces all spiritualities and communities of faith and encourages the finest Australian artists to explain the inexplicable through messages encoded in every variety of colour, line, form and texture to engage the imagination and demand contemplation. The new and exciting challenges are inherent in the endless possibilities that this presents.
Having also travelled to more than 45 countries and resided in some of them, I have come to appreciate the real value of shared understanding, a concept which the Blake Prize works to promote both nationally and internationally in the most expressive and innovative way."
Past winners of the Blake Prize include Australia's most prominent and respected artists including Elwyn Lynn, John Coburn, Donald Friend, Desiderius Orban and five times winner Eric Smith. Part of the annual Exhibition also tours to galleries all over Australia
The Blake Prize for Religious Art is sustained chiefly by the Blake Society; by generous sponsors and by the artists who enter every year.
Entries are now invited for the 2005 Blake Prize and close on 14 October. For an Entry Form send SSAE to:The Blake Society, GPO Box 4484 Sydney 2001
Website: http://www.blakeprize.com
