National Sculpture Prize and Exhibition 2005 - announcement of shortlisted artists

02 December 2004

The National Gallery of Australia and Macquarie Bank are delighted to announce the 39 artists shortlisted for the National Sculpture Prize and Exhibition 2005, following a record number of entries.

A total of 636 artists from around Australia entered the competition, submitting up to four works each, an increase of almost 20 per cent on the 2003 competition.

In response to the high calibre of the works entered, the number of shortlisted artists has been increased from previous years, ensuring that the 2005 exhibition, curated by Elena Taylor of the National Gallery of Australia, will be the largest and most diverse of all previous Prizes.

The finalists include some of Australia’s most senior sculptors as well as emerging artists.

Julian Beaumont, Chairman of the Macquarie Bank Art Committee and a member of the judging panel, said the selected works reflected the breadth of contemporary sculptural practice.

“For the third time since being involved with this initiative I have again been delighted to see the diversity of the works submitted and particularly encouraged by the increase in works in new media,” he said.

“The continued emergence of young Australians in making great sculpture and being prepared to enter a competition such as this is really wonderful.”

The other members of the judging panel were:

• Artist Hilarie Mais
• John Stringer, Curator of the Kerry Stokes Collection
• Dr Anna Gray, Assistant Director, Australian Art, National Gallery of Australia, and
• Dr Deborah Hart, Senior Curator, Australian Painting and Sculpture, National Gallery of Australia

The National Sculpture Prize, established in 2000 as a partnership between the National Gallery of Australia and Macquarie Bank, is the most significant biennial showcase of Australian sculpture. 

It is also one of the most prestigious prizes for contemporary art in Australia, with a non-acquisitive award of $50 000 for the winning artist, and all finalists receiving a $2500 honorarium. The Macquarie Bank People’s Choice Award of $4000 is awarded to the most popular work in the exhibition as chosen by visitors to the Gallery.

The exhibition of shortlisted artists work will be held at the National Gallery of Australia from 15 July until 9 October 2005, with selected works also touring to venues in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.  The winner will be announced at the National Gallery on 14 July 2005.

For media inquires regarding the National Sculpture Prize 2005 please contact:

Alix Fiveash, National Gallery of Australia on 02 6240 6431 alix.fiveash@nga.gov.au

Karen Boalch, Macquarie Bank Foundation on 02 8232 7339 karen.boalch@macquarie.com