Unveiling the best in Contemporary Art: Nillumbik Prize 2025 winners
Published on 03 April 2025
The winners of the prestigious Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Art 2025 have been announced at an official exhibition launch and celebration of the finalists at Montsalvat in Eltham.
From a remarkable 486 submissions, from which 48 finalists were selected, three outstanding works have been awarded in the biennial Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Art (NPCA), which champions artistic excellence across diverse mediums.
The NPCA recognises talent with the $20,000 Open Prize, $10,000 Local Prize, and $500 Mayor’s Award.
The Open Prize has been awarded to Jacqui Shelton for the digital video, sound work Bím Caillte (mistranslated: I am, usually, habitually, lost).
The Local Prize, for an artist connected to Nillumbik Shire was awarded to Chelle Destefano for Who does my family think I am??
The Mayor’s Award was presented to Susan Reddrop for Raygun.
Mayor John Dumaresq, who opened the exhibition last night, praised the calibre of the entries and the role of the Prize in fostering artistic innovation.
“It is an honour to celebrate the incredible talent showcased in this year’s Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Art. The diversity and depth of artistic expression reflect the vibrancy of our creative community,” Cr Dumaresq said.
“Congratulations to the winners, the finalists, and every artist who submitted their work. Your contributions continue to shape Nillumbik as a hub for artistic excellence.”
This year’s exhibition spans multiple spaces within Montsalvat to create an immersive and engaging experience for visitors.
The Prize winners were selected by an independent panel of judges:
- 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
- Sophie Travers, Director/CEO, Australian Tapestry Workshop
The exhibition is open until Sunday 25 May at Montsalvat, 7 Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham.
Visitors can vote for the $500 People’s Choice Award, which will be announced at the exhibition’s conclusion.
For more information, visit nillumbik.vic.gov.au/NPCA. For exhibition opening hours, visit montsalvat.com.au/visit-us.
Winner of the Open Prize, Jacqui Shelton Bím Caillte (mistranslated: I am, usually, habitually, lost) 2023, digital video, sound 19:30min
Winner of the Local Prize, Chelle Destefano, Who does my family think I am??, 2024, video and textile poem, 150x120x15cm
Winner of the Mayor's Prize, Susan Reddrop, Raygun, 2024, Blackwood Lead Crystal, 35,20x10cm