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Please read these Terms and Conditions of Entry. It is assumed the entrant has read and accepted the Terms and Conditions of Entry when they enter the Prize.
General
- The North Sydney Art Prize is a non-acquisitive art prize organised by North Sydney Council (Art Prize Organiser) and sponsored by Council.
- The North Sydney Art Prize is open to any artist living and working in Australia over the age of 18 years. Current employees of North Sydney Council are not eligible to enter.
- A maximum of two (2) works per artist can be entered. If submitting multiple works, you are required to complete a separate entry form and payment for each.
- Entries must have been completed between 1 October 2021 - 31 March 2024.
Finalist artworks will be displayed at The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability. Artworks will be displayed in the underground tunnels and chambers and other locations across the site. Artists submitting 3D, sculpture, installation, site specific, ephemeral, multi media works for display in the tunnels and Chambers are encouraged to attend an online or in person information session.
Payment and entry
- All entries must be submitted online by 5pm on 30 November 2023. Late entries will not be accepted.
- To be eligble for entry, please submit the following for each entry:
- a completed entry form
- payment of a non refundable entry fee of $36 incl. GST or $30 incl. GST for concession card holders payable online. Payment by Debit/ Credit card (Visa or MasterCard only). A copy of the concession card must be included in the entry.
- a maximum of three (3) images of the artwork, OR
- if submitting a proposal for a new work or work in progress, images or diagram that clearly illustrates the proposed work. Applicants must also submit image(s) of recent similar work as evidence of the quality of work proposed. If selected, a proposed work must be completed by 31 March 2024; OR
- If the artwork is video or sound based include a URL link to Vimeo, YouTube, SoundCloud or other publicly accessible URL
- all images must be named surname_firstname_artworktitle
- a statement of no more than 50 words that describes how the work addresses an aspect of the North Sydney Art Prize curatorial theme. The statement must be uploaded in .pdf format and named surname_firstname_statement
- Artist CV, one (1) single page only. The CV must be uploaded in .pdf format and named surname_firstname_cv
- if the artwork is a 3D sculpture, proposal for an installation, site specific or ephemeral artwork, the entrant must provide an installation description that outlines how the artwork is to be installed and installation requirements. The installation description must be uploaded in .pdf format and named surname_firstname_installationguide
Art Prize theme
Submitted works should address an aspect of the North Sydney Art Prize curatorial theme.
Acceptable art forms and size restrictions
There are no restrictions on the type of medium used, however, artworks must meet the size and presentation requirements set out below.
Artworks that incorporate the use of artificial intelligence should include "Artificial Intelligence (AI)" in the artwork medium.
Artworks must be installed without impacting the heritage nature the site. Artworks are not permitted to penetrate or mark surfaces. Drilling into walls is not permitted.
- Two-dimensional (2D) wall-based artworks: Must be no larger than 80x80cm (including frame). These works must be professionally framed with D-rings securely attached.
- Three-dimensional (3D) works: The entrant must provide an Installation Description. View our guide for preparing an installation description. These artworks may be free standing or displayed on a plinth or similar. Artists with complicated install requirements are encouraged to attend an online or in person information session. View general information about the exhibition venues.
- Installation, site-specific works or ephemeral works: Have no material restrictions or size restrictions. The entrant must provide an Installation Description. View our guide for preparing an Installation Description. In the case of ephemeral works, the work should be made to last the duration of the exhibition, or the artist must include their intention to tend and repair the work if required. The Art Prize Organiser reserves the right to reject works that contain hazardous materials. View general information about the exhibition venues.
- Multi-media, time-based, video or sound-based artworks: The entrant may be required to supply all or some of the equipment for display. The entrant must provide an Installation Description. View our guide for preparing an Installation Description. View general information about the exhibition venues.
Selection of finalists
- Based on images and information submitted by the entrant, a panel consisting of the 2024 Art Prize judges and an employee of North Sydney Council will determine the finalists for the exhibition.
- The decision of the selection panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into by the Art Prize Organiser.
- Selection is based on the material submitted and the artist’s response to the curatorial theme.
- There is no refund of the entry fee for work not selected. The entry fee is retained as a contribution to costs associated with processing and assessing work.
- Misinterpretation of the entry does not constitute a reason for a refund.
- Selected entrants only will be listed on Council’s website on Friday, 19 January 2024. Unsuccessful entrants will not be notified in writing.
Delivery, installation and collection
- Finalist artworks are to be delivered and installed by appointment during the period 1-3 May 2024 and 6-10 May 2024.
- Finalist artworks are to be de-installed/collected by appointment during the period 3-5 June 2024.
- Artwork delivery, installation and collection will occur between the hours of 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Under no circumstances will delivery, installation, deinstallation or collection be permitted outside these hours, on weekends or on public holidays. If an artist is required on-site for installation, the artist will be responsible for arranging a representative to attend in their place should they be unable to attend in person.
- Any entry not collected by the specified date will be disposed of by the Art Prize Organiser.
- Courier deliveries and pick-ups are acceptable, however, it is the responsibility of the artist to arrange courier services.
- All courier or delivery expenses are the responsibility of the entrant.
- The Art Prize Organiser will not arrange courier or postal services or enter into freighting arrangements under any circumstances.
- All artworks will be delivered to and collected from The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability in Waverton NSW. Do not post artwork to North Sydney Council.
Exhibition of finalists
- The Art Prize Organiser has the final decision regarding the placement and siting of works.
- The Art Prize Organiser reserves the right to reject unsuitably prepared works including wet, dangerous or delicate works.
- Entries are required to remain on display for the duration of the exhibition.
- All artworks must be professionally presented, robust, and deemed safe for the general public.
- Artworks must be installed without impacting the heritage nature of the site. Artworks are not permitted to penetrate or mark surfaces. Drilling into walls is not permitted. Only existing holes can be used for supporting installation works and this must be discussed with the Art Prize Organiser.
- The exhibition site must be reinstated as appropriate. Artists will be charged a fee to reinstate the site should it be left damaged.
Loss, damage and insurance
- The Art Prize Organiser is not responsible for entries during transit, installation, exhibition and deinstallation.
- The Art Prize Organiser, their servants, agents and contractors, while taking all care, shall not be responsible for any loss or damage to any entry, and the responsibility belongs to the entrant.
- The Art Prize Organiser recommends that all entrants arrange their own insurance for the exhibition and to cover against damage, loss or theft.
Sale of artworks
- Entries need not be for sale.
- Entries for sale must include GST (if applicable).
- A commission of 30% for unrepresented artists and 40% for represented artists (to be shared equally with the nominated gallery) will be charged on works sold.
Ownership and copyright
- Entries must be the original work of the entrant who must accept sole responsibility for ensuring their work does not infringe copyright laws.
- The entrant authorises the Art Prize Organiser to use images of the entry for media, publicity, social media and on Council’s website.
Disputes
Any dispute that arises and is not covered by a specific condition of entry will be decided by the Art Prize Organiser. Any decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. In submitting the online entry, the entrant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and accepted all the terms and conditions in the North Sydney Art Prize Conditions of Entry.
Force majeure
The Conditions of Entry and dates may be subject to change due to unforeseeable circumstances, such as Government health restrictions in response to COVID-19. All finalists will be informed immediately of any such changes.
Exhibition venue information
Finalist artworks will be displayed at The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability. The site is located on Balls Head Road, Waverton, and offers a unique exhibition venue. Artworks will be displayed in the underground tunnels and chambers (including foyer and mezzanine) and other locations across the site. Artists proposing works for display in the underground chambers, tunnels, mezzanine or foyer are strongly advised to attend an online or in-person information session before submitting their application.
The following information may assist artists proposing artworks for the tunnels and chambers:
Dimensions
Chambers: While the size of each chamber varies slightly, each is approximately 5m wide x 5m depth, with ceilings approximately 9m.
Tunnels: approximately 3m wide.
Access to each chamber
All doorways to chambers are of standard width. Some doorway access is low height.
Power
There are standard single phase power outlets in every second chamber and at various points through tunnel 1, the foyer and mezzanine levels.
There is no power available in tunnel 2.
WiFi/Data connectivity
There is no WiFi inside the tunnel or chambers. Mobile signal inside is very poor.
Lighting
Chambers are fitted with white LED lights on motion sensors. There is limited ability to dim or turn off lights.
LED safety lights are fitted throughout tunnel 1. There is limited capacity to dim or turn off lights.
There is low safety lighting in tunnel 2, with no capacity to dim or turn off these lights.
Hanging and suspending artworks
Due to the nature of the site, there are limitations to suspending artworks. Excessively heavy works may not be permitted.
Floor-based works/Access requirements
All artworks are to be installed to in a way that allows sufficient space for visitors to enter, exit or move around unimpeded.
Surfaces and environment
Surfaces of the underground tunnels and chambers are uneven. Some chambers and tunnel areas are damp, and during heavy rain can be wet, muddy and subject to new leaks.
Curatorial theme
The North Sydney Art Prize will be held at the iconic The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability in Waverton. This unique site enables broad participation and accommodates the inclusion of suitable work in any medium, sculpture, installation and new media works. Works will be selected for exhibition in restored sandstone tunnels and chambers and other locations at the site.
The curatorial theme encourages artists to consider the overarching principles of the exhibition site at The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability. The Coal Loader Centre opened in 2011 as a major regional community resource and was transformed from an old industrial site to a place where you can be inspired by best-practice sustainable technology, community gardens, native bush nursery and regenerated parklands. The Coal Loader showcases innovation and serves as a community hub for Council’s extensive range of environmental and sustainability programs. Located within the bushland of Balls Head Reserve and adjacent to historic Berrys Bay, The Coal Loader is a site of both remarkable industrial heritage and environmental sustainability.
Artists can address the theme through a conceptual OR material approach to their practice and are required to respond to one of the following:
- a cultural, historical, social, or metaphorical aspect of The Coal Loader site
- a physical feature of The Coal Loader site, for example the architecture, harbour foreshore, parklands, bushland reserve, tunnels and chambers
- address a local or global issue broadly related to the curatorial rationale, for example: sustainability (environmental, ecological, cultural, social, political, economic, technological), climate action, renewal, remediation and regeneration, climate change, mass production or consumer culture
The curatorial theme embraces diversity in contemporary art providing an entry point into conversations about our complex relationship with the world around us, in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Key dates
- Call for entries launches: Monday 9 October 2023
- Call for entries close: Thursday 30 November 2023, 5.00pm
- Finalists announced: Friday 19 January 2024
- Exhibition: Saturday 11 May to Sunday 2 June 2024
- Artwork delivery and installation: By appointment 1-3 May 2024 and 6-10 May 2024
- Artwork collection: By appointment 3-5 June 2024
Finalists
2024 North Sydney Art Prize Finalists
Finalists will be contacted by email with further information. Please check email spam folder if you haven't heard from us by Wednesday 24 January.
Alameddine, Maissa Songs for Sitti: prayers for my grandmother
Bae, Wona & Lawler, Charlie Late
Baird, Luisa Nimburella
Banwell, Ingrid Floraformed
Barker, Lucy Furball
Bell, Alyson Fruits Of The Sea
Booth, Mark Terrain
Burns, Jennifer Cape Don
Chambers, Abby Skip no.6 #2
Chen Chow, Susanna Offloading
Cowell, Elizabeth Traces
Crackpot Studios (Sarah Robertson, Mandie Robertson, Caroline Wright, Bridget Willis) Transition - Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Crawford, Peter Ghost gum
Cuneo, Gemma A Quiet Australian
Currey-Billyard, Fiona Tides, Salt, and Iron
Davey, Suzanne This Too Shall Pass
de Jong, Michelle Subterranean II
de Mestre, Nicole Scraping by
Dominello, Viola Ball's head
Dorman, Bill All at Sea
Dorman, Bill Outcrop
Dymond, Celia damaged landscape; gunditjmara country
Entangled (Dinah Taprell, Beinda Piggott, Jane Lush) What Lives Beneath
Gageler, Aidan Arsonist's Lullaby
Gervay, Elizabeth & Hoisington, Kit BENEATH OUR FEET (BOF)
Graham, Jody Fall
Green, Jenny Flourish
Griffin, Sylvia Once Were Homes
Guardino, Graziela Pau Brazil - The tree
Guilbert, Lucas Floraison
Guthrie, Maria Luminescence
Haigh, Catherine Conflicted
Hakola, Terhi Nest (Pesa)
Harrop, Lee Priceless
Hayes, Alyson Beneath the surface
Heckels, Vivienne Let us join together and hike with joy
Holdsworth, Di Twenty Thousand Leagues
Hungerford, Jude Tree
Hunt, Adrienne, Garben, Jan & Wackett, Graham An unlikely sighting?
Ingram-Shute, Emryn The Muffled Screams of the Domestic
Jahn, Annelies & Burton-Taylor, Jane Bed Chamber
Keft, Virginia guthara gulgara: gurnta, thalu, bartala (many children: yesterday, today, tomorrow)
Kermany, Bahman The Carpets
Kerr, Hugh Species
Kirk, Anna May Whale Fall
Klinkhamer, Deborah Resonance of Tides
Knowles, Louise Sandstone
Konopka, Korina Cascades
Kyte, Marian Picking Up the Pieces, Vol. 2
Lampert, Sophie Listen, the trees are whispering
Leibbrandt, Jesca Marisa Haunted by Waste
Leung, Pamela Embers Unveiled
Livermore, Brenda Water Sprite
Low, Claire Engkaninan All Monsters Are Real
Mac, Col vanishing point
Mackinnon, Debbie Growing
Mahnken, Dior Bedrock
Malpas, Gabby Space invaders: go back to where you came from
Manser, Lauren Overgrowth
Mason, Tania OdDBirds on Rocks
McEwen, Cathryn Circulation
McKellar, Hannah Anthracite
McLachlan, Juanita Guuma-li maa (gathering five)
McLachlan, Stuart Rising Waters
Milan, Edwardo The Way Forward
Mills, Alexandra Trees
Monk, Victoria Journeys end
Murray & Burgess (Ro Murray & Mandy Burgess) HOLDING...
Nade, Louise Complications
Nolan, Eva King Parrot and Wandering Anemone
O'Regan, Nicole Miner
Pasti, Eleonora Dedicated to: Rosie, Beatrice, Magpie, Blue, Frida, Isolde, Steffi, Louise, Indi, Thelma, Pam, Fern, Priscilla and Silky.
Peachey, Rachel & Mosig, Paul A sudden katabasis / An accidental witness
Piggott, Belinda Celestial Tapestry
Pratt, Louis Between life and death
Prescott, Russell Coal Loader Wharf
Riddell, Jacqueline Blooms Reimagined 1 and 2
Riley, Kate Mesa
Rowden, Mark After the fire comes life
Seward, Kat I am Bin Chicken
Shteinman, Ruth Sedimentary
Simons, Penny The world is crying out for our Love
Simpson, Christine Dark Matter
Stuerzl, Jennifer Little Tern
Sylvester, Kate V M Within your t-shirt.
Tavener, Janet Walking on Thin Ice
Turier, John Terra Nullius
van der Vegt, Maryellen Flux
Westwood, Luke STATIC
Wishart, Nicholas Lightworks
Yan, Meng-Yu & Kirk, Anna Double Parallax
Yee, Belinda Graphite profile (Harbour 1)
Zu, Tianli Fatal Alert