25/10/2019
Swan Hill-Kerang Indigenous Art competition
Opportunity for Swan Hill and Kerang region artists
A new art competition has been launched reflecting on the importance of art, culture, language and story-telling in Swan Hill and Kerang’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) is calling for entries from artists of all abilities in its first Swan Hill and Kerang Art Competition – and is offering three $500 prizes to the works judged the best.
MDAS Swan Hill and Kerang Family Services Manager Michelle Gadsby said the theme of the inaugural art competition was to capture “connection to culture”.
“We’re hoping it will prompt people to reflect on the importance of connection to culture in terms of personal and community well-being,” Ms Gadsby said.
“The great thing about art is that it helps the artist reflect and interpret – but it also carries a message to the wider Aboriginal and mainstream communities,” she said.
“We’re wanting to celebrate the importance of art, culture, language and storytelling and help people understand why that connection to culture is so important.”
Ms Gadsby said there was no requirement for people entering to be artists.
“Art is for everyone and we want entries from people of all abilities – art is fun, it’s healthy, it’s healing and it’s learning but it also tells a story and we’re hoping for some really creative pieces.”
Three $500 prizes are on offer for each of the award’s sections: Under 12 years; 12-25 years; and 25 years and over.
A panel of community Elders and youth will review the entries and award the winners, which will then be used in future MDAS advertising.
The competition is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members who live in or originate from the Swan Hill-Kerang area. Entries are to be delivered to Swan Hill and Kerang reception by close of business on Friday November, 2019.
For further information please contact Peta Cooper on 0439 246 183.