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New vision opens up art to public

North West Telegraph
The Junction Co. chairperson Miranda Cecich and Commisioner Fred Reibeling at the gallery last year.
Camera IconThe Junction Co. chairperson Miranda Cecich and Commisioner Fred Reibeling at the gallery last year. Credit: North West Telegraph/North West Telegraph

An annual award ceremony celebrating the best work of artists around regional WA is set to be bolstered by the introduction of a new popular vote category allowing the State to have its say.

The “jury prize” division has been added to yearly The Jury Art Prize, previously known as the Hedland Art Awards, set to be hosted by the Junction Co once again from this June.

A showcase of works will be on display across different mediums as part of the exhibition, including painting, photography, sculpture, digital and mixed media.

Each submission will be curated and judged by industry experts and would ultimately seek community input for the winner of the new award category.

The renewed vision for the annual art award pays homage to the courthouse origins, and provides the public an opportunity to vote online for their favourite work.

Junction Co chief executive Katie Evans said the aim was to provide a dynamic platform for everyone to engage with the annual art awards.

“We want people from across the world to contribute in determining the Jury Prize winner, both the Jury category and Judge category will have equal prize money,” she said.

Town of Port Hedland commissioner Fred Riebeling said it marked a new chapter for the Town’s commitment and involvement in the art award.

“We’re honoured to be an integral part of the new Jury Art Prize by awarding the Patron award to a local Hedland artist,” he said.

Local artist, Janelle McCaffrey, said she was looking forward to participating in a high-calibre regional art prize in Hedland.

“The change is exciting; I think it’s great for local artists, like myself, to have an opportunity to be judged against other West Australian regional artists,” she said.

Winners across all original categories will be unveiled at the launch on June 5, with the people’s choice announced on July 24. Registrations close in April.

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