Art Prize finalists announced

Published on 24 January 2025

NSC NPCA 2025 - eDM-Banner_600x333px.png

This year the Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Art (NPCA) exhibition will showcase the works of 34 incredible artists who have been shortlisted from a record 468 entries for the prestigious exhibition and prize.

Showcasing the talent and creativity of artists from across Australia – among them, seven Nillumbik artists – the works highlight Australia’s diverse and vibrant contemporary arts community.

Awarded every two years, with a prize pool of $31,000, the art prize is an accessible and prestigious opportunity for artists both emerging and established to showcase their work.

The finalists were selected by an independent panel comprising Matt Cox, Curator of Asian Art, Art Gallery of New South Wales; Gail Harradine, Wotjobaluk, Jadawadjali, Djubagalk. Curatorial Manager, Koorie Heritage Trust, and Patrice Sharkey, Head of Exhibitions and Programs, TarraWarra Museum of Art.

Final judges are Dr Vincent Alessi, Director and CEO, Linden New Art; Dr Kiron Robinson, Artist and Acting Head of School of Art, Victorian College of Arts, University of Melbourne, and Sophie Travers, Director/CEO, Australian Tapestry Workshop.

Judge Patrice Sharkey said the judges were struck by the tremendous range of practices and depth of ideas submitted to NPCA 2025.

“The shortlist is a rigorous representation of contemporary art being made across Australia today. It has been uplifting to note the overwhelming desire by artists to address current societal issues concerning human rights, the environment, and technology,” she said.

Mayor John Dumaresq praised the breadth of talent on display and said “Nillumbik is proud to highlight the incredible talent of these Australian artists here at Montsalvat, a venue that has long been a cornerstone of our region’s creative landscape. This free exhibition not only celebrates artistic skill but also brings our community together through our shared love of art and creativity.”

The Finalists Exhibition is presented in partnership with Montsalvat, across three gallery spaces from Friday 4 April–Sunday 25 May. Winners will be announced at the opening night, Thursday 5 April.

Read more about the exhibition and view the shortlisted artists at nillumbik.vic.gov.au/NPCA

A selection of finalist works.