Mandorla Art Award 2020 welcomes entries

02 May 2019

By The Record

Last year, four winning artworks were chosen among the 40 finalists, which were selected from 186 entries submitted by Australian artists nationwide. Photo: Theresia Titus.
Last year, four winning artworks were chosen among the 40 finalists, which were selected from 186 entries submitted by Australian artists nationwide. Photo: Theresia Titus.

Artists are invited to submit an entry to the 2020 Mandorla Art Award to be considered for $42,000 in prize money, including the $25,000 acquisitive award.

With the 20th award to take place in Perth next year, the Mandorla Art Award is open to all Australian artists over 18 working in any media.

The Mandorla Art Award employs a thematic Christian inspiration that changes with each exhibition. These inspirations are defined by quotations from the Bible and all participating artists are requested to interpret these in their own way.

In 2020, artists will be provided with the challenge to visualise the text from the prophet Micah 6:8.

“Do justice, love kindness and walk humbly.” – What does this look like?

The 2020 theme was chosen after a considered process where the committee reflected on the many issues that face the world today.

A selection of commentaries, music and videos are available on the Mandorla website for artists to gain a deeper understanding.

The award aims to attract contemporary artworks that are diverse, challenging and provide an insightful interpretation of the chosen biblical theme.

This year, the Mandorla Art Award will be shown at STALA Contemporary in West Perth.

The Mandorla Art Award for contemporary religious art is Australia’s most significant thematic religious art prize, attracting some of the country’s finest artists since its 1985 inception. Photo: Theresia Titus.

Entries are open to artworks in any media that fit the exhibition guidelines and will be appraised by an independent selection panel consisting of art specialists and theologians.

The selection panel will see examples of artistic excellence in a diverse range of media and contemporary practice to ensure the exhibition of finalist’s works presents a cross section of Australia’s leading artists.

Previous winners have been: Mikaela Castledine (2018), Megan Robert (2016), Paul Kaptein (2014), John Paul (2012 & 1990), Annette Allman (2010), Concetta Petrillo (2007) Michael Kane Taylor (2004), Julie Dowling (2000), Brian McKay (2002 & 1986), John Coburn (1996), Nigel Hewitt (1991 & 1992), Ivan Bray (1989), Allan Baker (1988), Michael Iwanoff (1987), and Theo Koning (1985).

The winning artworks become part of the Mandorla Art Award collection housed at the New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery, home of Australia’s best contemporary Christian art collection.

Important Dates:

  • Entries close: 26 February 2020
  • Announcement of finalists: 20 March 2020
  • Announcement of winners: 15 May 2020
  • Finalists’ exhibition: 16 May til 6 June 2020