The Churchie Emerging Art Prize 2023

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Since its inception at the Anglican Church Grammar School in 1987, the churchie emerging art prize has sought to identify and profile rising artistic talent. It is now known as one of Australia's leading prizes for emerging artists.

Presented at the Institute of Modern Art since 2019, the finalists' exhibition surveys the compelling and diverse work being produced by early-career artists today.

Curated by Sebastian Henry-Jones, this year's exhibition explores the theme of context, recognising that an artist's practice does not only occur in the studio, but is also inherently linked to time and place.

Thirteen early-career artists have been selected from nearly 400 entries from across Australia.

• Alrey Batol (VIC)
• Amanda Bennetts (QLD)
• Dylan Bolger (QLD)
• Luke Brennan (NSW)
• Matthew Brown (WA)
• Raf McDonald (VIC)
• Corben Mudjandi (NT)
• Melody Paloma (VIC)
• Roberta Joy Rich (VIC)
• Joel Spring (NSW)
• Jess Tan (WA)
• Debbie Taylor-Worley (NSW)
• Ash Tower (SA)

The finalists will have their work exhibited at the IMA from 20 May-19 August, with the prize announcement taking place at the gallery on Friday 2 June.

Thanks to generous supporters, 'the churchie' offers a prize pool of $25,000, with the Major Prize winner receiving a non-acquisitive $15,000 cash prize donated by long-standing sponsor, BSPN Architecture.

As guest judge, we welcome Clothilde Bullen, Senior Curator and Head of Indigenous Programs and Initiatives at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Bullen will announce the winner of the Major Prize, as well as the $5,000 Special Commendation prize, sponsored by Fardoulys Constructions, and two $1,000 Commendation prizes, sponsored by Madison Cleaning Services, at the Prize Announcement on 2 June.

Gallery visitors are invited to cast their vote in the $3,000 People's Choice Award, sponsored by Madison Cleaning Services, which will be awarded at the end of the exhibition. One lucky voter will win a two-night stay courtesy of Spicers Retreats.

Image Caption:
Melody Paloma, Kitsch Sites, 2023, Video (still), 28m 35s. Image courtesy of the artist.