The official opening and prize announcement of the churchie emerging art prize 2021 will take place at the IMA Friday 22 October, from 6pm. Please note the event has been rescheduled from Friday 8 October to 22 October in light of changing COVID-19 restrictions.

The winner of the $15,000 Major Prize sponsored by BSPN Architecture will be announced on the evening by guest judge Rhana Devenport ONZM, Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia. Those who can’t physically attend are invited to tune into the livestream via our Facebook page from 6.30pm.

Bringing together 14 artists from across the country, the finalists’ exhibition surveys the compelling and diverse work being produced by emerging artists today.

The 2021 finalists are: Akil Ahamat, Tiyan Baker, Christopher Bassi, Leon Russell (Cameron) Black, Ohni Blu, Riana Head-Toussaint, Visaya Hoffie, Kait James, Alexa Malizon, Kyra Mancktelow, Ivy Minniecon, Nina Sanadze, Jayanto Tan, and Joanne Wheeler. The 2021 finalists exhibition is guest curated by artist, writer, and curator Grace Herbert in a role supported by Armitstead ART Consulting.

The Major Prize winner will receive a $15,000 non-acquisitive cash prize provided by long-standing sponsor BSPN Architecture. The judge will also award a Special Commendation Prize of $5,000, sponsored by Fardoulys Constructions, as well as two $1,000 Commendation Prizes sponsored by Madison Cleaning Services. A People’s Choice Award of $3,000, also sponsored by Madison Cleaning Services, will be awarded by popular vote at the conclusion of the finalists’ exhibition.