Thirty-one artworks are currently live on display at The Australian War Memorial online exhibition showcasing the Napier Waller Art Prize finalists of 2020.
Seventeen of the artworks were highly commended by the judges and will be displayed at the Memorial from September 25th to November 22nd of this year. Online voting is open for the People’s Choice Award, which also includes a cash prize of $5000 for the winner.
The artworks on display reflect the resilience, imagination, skill and humour while also commenting on the challenges and consequences of military service while well regarding the members of the Australian Defence Force. The prestigious art prize sponsored by the Road Home, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Thales Australia, and supported by the University of Canberra is open to current and former Australian Defence Force personnel.
The prize has encouraged artistic excellence, promotes the transformative power of creativity, and raises awareness of the experiences and talent of service personnel. This year the Napier Waller Art Prize has increased by 30 per cent from 2019 with 140 entries in its third year.
The judges include Mr Matt Anderson, Director of the Australian War Memorial; eX de Medici, former official war artist; Mr Nick Mitzevich, Director of the National Gallery of Australia; Professor Paddy Nixon, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra; General Angus Campbell AO DSC, Chief of the Australian Defence Force; Mr Gary Dawson, Vice President Strategy, Thales Australia; Ms Laura Webster, Head of Art, Australian War Memorial; and Mr Paul Flynn, Chief Executive Officer, Hospital Research Foundation.
The winner of the Napier Waller Art Prize 2020 will be announced on September 24th with a cash prize of $10,000 and the opportunity to have their artwork become part of the Memorial’s National Collection. The winner selected by the judges will also receive a two-week research residency in the Art section of the Memorial and a mentoring day with eX de Medici, a former official war artist. Voting for the People’s Choice Award via the Memorial website will continue until the exhibition closes.
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