The Western Downs Regional Artists' Exhibition is an annual exhibition proudly presented by Western Downs Regional Council, supported by the Western Downs Galleries Committee represented by Lapunyah Art Gallery, Gallery 107 @ Dalby, Dogwood Crossing, Miles.
With the theme of ‘Rural Realities’ the 2024 exhibition is an exploration of the diversity and complexity of modern life in a rural context.
In 2024, the exhibition offers a total prize pool of $3800, with four Category Prizes, Young Artist Merit Award, and People’s Choice Award. The exhibition will feature on Western Downs Arts as a Gallery and 3D virtual exhibition, and on show from 21 September – 31 October 2024 at Lapunyah Art Gallery in Chinchilla.
Rural Realities
Reality is the state of things as they exist. It may sound absolute and irrefutable, but it isn’t one universal experience. From the physical environment, societal ties between people, to the emotional challenges and victories that are endured, there are many different realities. Reality can be sweet or harsh but is always complex, changing and diverse.
As residents of the predominately rural Western Downs Region, this theme invites Artists to reflect on their life and how their rural context shapes their reality. When exploring the subject matter Artists are encouraged to communicate their visual stories through their selected medium and depict a creative view on country living in contemporary society.
Meet the Curator
Meet this year’s curator Dr Rhiannan Johnson who is a Senior Lecturer in Visual Art at the University of Southern Queensland, and a practicing artist who has exhibited nationally and internationally.
Johnson is interested in seeing how artists of the Western Downs region interpret and visually represent the conceptual frameworks of the Rural Realities theme. Watch her video below to find out more on the theme and suggestions on how an artist might approach it.
How to Enter
Entries are due by close of business Monday 8 July 2024.
Each artwork to be submitted must have completed the online entry form.
* For those who require a paper entry form please call 1300 COUNCIL and a paper copy will be arranged. Paper copies can be handed in person to one of the Customer Service Centres, or scanned and emailed to arts@wrdc.qld.gov.au
Entry Fee
The non-refundable fee per entry is $25, or $5 for students aged 18 and under, and must be paid prior to delivery of artwork (see below).
Entry fees can be paid in person at a Customer Service Centre or by credit card over the phone by calling 1300 COUNCIL.
Categories
Entries can be submitted to one of four (4) categories:
- Painting: Oils, acrylic, mixed media and watercolour
- Works on paper: Any work on paper substrate including but not limited to pen, pencil, ink, collage, mixed media (excludes watercolour, see painting category)
- Photography and new media art: Any photographic works either digital or analogue including new media art
- 3D works: Including but not limited to ceramics, sculpture, installation, assemblage, textiles, and woodwork
TO NOTE:
TV and projector display available for video art, screen size subject to availability.
Prizes
Category Prizes
$500 for first place and $300 for second place will be awarded in each of the four categories: Painting; Works on paper, Photography and new media art, and 3D works.
Open to all artists.
People’s Choice Award
$200 voucher as the result of a public ballot counted at the end of the exhibition. All artists are eligible.
Young Artist Merit Award
$400 merit certificate. Awarded to an eligible emerging young artist aged between 14 and 21 years.
Kindly Supported By
Key Dates
Entries Close
Monday 8 July 2024, 5.00pm
One entry per artwork. Non-refundable entry fee $25 per artwork ($5 for students aged 18 and under).
Delivery of artwork
Tuesday 9 July, 2024
Delivery made in person or by private agent to Lapunyah Art Gallery, Chinchilla between 10.00am – 2.00pm
Or by
Regional Collection
This service is FREE. All entries must be packed carefully for transport and delivered to the locations below. No artwork will be accepted outside times indicated.
Dalby
Tuesday 9 July 2024
8:15am – 4:45pm
Dalby Corporate Office
30 Marble Street, Dalby Qld 4405
Miles
Tuesday 9 July 2024
9.00am – 5.00pm
Dogwood Crossing, Miles
81 Murilla Street, Miles Qld 4415
Collection of Artwork
Pick-up from Lapunyah Art Gallery in person or by private agent, between 10am and 2pm on Friday 1 November 2024, or by arrangement with the Gallery (except sold artworks).
Exhibition Opening
5.30pm, Saturday 21 September at Lapunyah Art Gallery, 86 Heeney Street, Chinchilla, Qld 4413