The Basil Sellers Art Prize Retrospective exhibition was officially opened on Friday, 25 June, at the Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre in Moruya. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
One of the South Coast’s most prestigious art competitions is going national next year, with a $25,000 prize purse that’s likely to attract artists from around Australia.
The Basil Sellers Art Prize was founded in 2004 by businessman, philanthropist and art collector Basil Sellers AM.
Through a chance connection to Moruya, Mr Sellers has developed a long and fruitful partnership with Eurobodalla Shire Council, leading to both the competition and construction of the Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre (The Bas) in Vulcan Street, Moruya.
This year The Bas is playing host to a retrospective exhibition, showcasing all major winners of the prestigious prize, as well as a selection of People’s Choice and Eurobodalla Award winners.
Mr Sellers instigated the award to support Eurobodalla artists. It then expanded to the wider region, and in 2018 went statewide, with the addition of a $5000 Eurobodalla Prize.
Eurobodalla Shire Council’s creative arts coordinator, Indi Carmichael, is excited about the latest evolution of the prize, which will continue to champion 2D artworks in traditional mediums.
“It is a natural progression to take the prize Australia-wide,” she said.
“This prize is about celebrating artistic excellence and creative practice, both locally and now across the country.
“Entries doubled when the prize went statewide in 2020. Taking it national means more opportunities for artists and more audience reach.
“The Eurobodalla Prize, provided by Eurobodalla Shire Council, will continue to support local artists, ensuring their important place within the prize is safeguarded, while showcasing our local talent on a national stage.”
Ms Carmichael said it all would not be possible without the support of Mr Sellers.
“Mr Sellers’s continued support for both the Basil Sellers and Little Sellers art prizes, as well as his significant donation for our exhibition centre bearing his name, has meant so much to the arts in Eurobodalla,” she said.
The Basil Sellers Art Prize Retrospective exhibition continues at The Bas every Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, until Sunday, 8 August.
Entries for the Basil Sellers Art Prize 2022 will open in May next year.
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