UMSU Art Prize: Entries Now Open!

Brought to you by the SSAF

The inaugural UMSU Art Prize is a major new initiative that celebrates the legacy of student unionism in Australia and the power of student voices. 

Student unions have historically been centres of radical creativity and subversive artistic expression. By advocating for student voices and freedom of expression, student unions provide the support and resources necessary to test conventional boundaries and engage with social, political, and cultural issues. This tradition of nurturing daring and transformative art has enriched the academic environment and significantly influenced the contemporary art landscape beyond the campus. 

This new award has been established to provide a platform for innovative, critical, and experimental artistic practices - celebrating the vibrant state of student creativity and championing the role of artists in imagining and shaping our future.  

UMSU and the George Paton Gallery are excited to invite submissions from currently enrolled University of Melbourne students working in all visual art and design mediums.

ENTRIES CLOSE SUNDAY 18 AUGUST 2024, MIDNIGHT (AEST).

APPLY NOW VIA OUR ONLINE FORM

The UMSU Art Prize will be presented at the historic George Paton Gallery, which has played a pivotal role in the development and presentation of contemporary art in Australia for over 50 years.  

The UMSU Art Prize offers two prestigious awards:  

• $5,000 UMSU Art Prize 
• $1,000 People's Choice Award    

Shortlisted artists will have their artworks displayed in the George Paton Gallery for the UMSU Art Prize 2024 exhibition, 12-28 September. 

The announcement of the UMSU Art Prize will take place at the opening event on Thursday 12 September and the People's Choice Award will be announced on the final day of the exhibition, Saturday 28 September.  

Please note, the Award is non-acquisitive.

UMSU ART AWARD SELECTION CRITERIA

The following categories will be used to assess submissions by the shortlisting panel and guest judges: 

• Artistic Merit: The originality, creativity and technical skills demonstrated to convey conceptual ideas. 
• Engagement: The effectiveness of the artwork in connecting with a broad audience. 
• Student Powered: The degree to which the artwork elevates the student voice and is unforgettable. 

UMSU ART PRIZE SHORT-LISTING

All artworks submitted will undergo shortlisting by the UMSU Arts and Culture Selection Panel between 19th – 22nd August 2024. 

This shortlisting process is in place to manage the submissions effectively, check eligibility, assess the viability of proposed work, and maintain the integrity of the exhibition and award. 

Only those artworks that are selected from this process will be showcased at the UMSU Art Prize exhibition, held at the George Paton Gallery, and be eligible for an award.  

UMSU ART AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS