$180,000 Signature of Sydney Art Prize calls for entries
20 March 2006
What is the art of Sydney? It’s a rhetorical question. Sydney is the art.
But how to make it tangible, so that the public and business can relate and take part with pride?
This was the quest which vexed German art enthusiasts, Benjamin Jung and Karsten Knorr when they moved to Sydney in 2004.
Their story is a familiar tale. On separate journeys, they came, they were seduced by Sydney. They stayed!
“Initially we looked for an artist who could translate the essence of Sydney. Being new to town, we had no contacts and were still on a learning curve about the New South Wales arts community,” say Benjamin and Karsten.
“But what we did find very quickly, was unstinting and enthusiastic support from the business community and several of Sydney’s key individuals who also acknowledged the artistic gap on our creative landscape.
Thus, The Signature of Sydney search to encapsulate “What is Sydney?” took on a life of its own. Word spread through the arts and business community and this competition has become Australia’s largest and most innovative art prize.
“We are looking for artists who can capture the ubiquitous Sydney spirit, it’s vibrant business pulse, it’s lifestyle, it’s passion.
Artists may submit ‘concept works’ until September. They will submit them under a pseudonym so there can be no expectations or preconceptions.
This is the only true ‘even playing field’ for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
It will be truly interesting to see how the working artists stack up against the amateurs. No medium or art-form is excluded.
Tourism Minister, The Hon Sandra Nori, was one of the first to rally behind Benjamin and Karsten’s project when asked to join the judging panel saying, ”I will be able to go with the piece that really reflects my view of what our magnificent city is all about.”
From the submitted ‘concept sketches,’ 50 artists will be chosen by the panel who represent the Sydney arts community. This includes Claire Armstrong - Editor, Arts and Australia, Bernhard Ollis - Director, National Art School, Reuben Keehan -
Curatorial Services MCA and Conny Dietzschold - Director, Conny Dietzchold Gallery
The general public’s opinion is a critical part of the process and there will be a free open exhibition in October at for the finalists.
The winner will be announced at a Gala event in December and receive $150,000.
Runner up receives $20,000 and third place $10,000.
Of the remaining 20 participants, their artworks will be auctioned at the Gala.
The artist receives 50% of the auction proceeds and the balance goes to the Make-A-Wish foundation for children with life-threatening illnesses.
As one of the panel of judges, Anthony Bond, Director Curatorial, Art Gallery of NSW says, “It’s a challenging artist’s proposition to celebrate such a fantastic city while incorporating all the supporting businesses in one work of art.”
Another of the jurors, Andy Pontin, CEO of Proximity Clemenger Australia adds, “From beaches to bars, yachts to yum cha, we all have our own city highlights.”
For more information see the website.
Website: http://www.signatureofsydney.com.au
