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This biennial exhibition will be held within the township of Beechworth in the north-east of Victoria.
The Beechworth Contemporary Art Award is a $10,000 non-acquisitive prize, and an opportunity for artists on the national stage, regional and remote artists to exhibit in a unique historic and culturally significant village setting.
The first art award of its kind, this national award is to be held within the streets, alleyways, parks and buildings of the small Victorian community of Beechworth. Audiences will have opportunities to engage directly or incidentally with the ideas, techniques and entertaining ways of Australia’s contemporary artists.
The award offers a new platform for creative opportunity. The town’s granite boulders, numerous waterways and heritage preserved facades allow a unique dialogue between artists and the community. In creative ways, contemporary artists will connect the past with the present, inviting audiences to be entertained and experience new interpretations of the world around them and their place within it.
The artwork/body of work submitted by the artist for proposal only need be indicative of their art practice. Artists working with any medium may enter; traditional media (sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramic, photography) or non-traditional media (mixed media, pasteups, digital media, performance, installation, sound, neon, projection, or other). The online application process involves paying the administration fee of $50.00, completing an information form and attaching photographic evidence of the artist’s art practice.
The selected finalists may create new artwork for the BCAA. In consultation with the exhibition team, the finalist will decide what will be suitable for the Beechworth site. There are a variety of exhibition sites; outdoor building facades, alleyways, parks, waterways, indoor rooms and entrances of buildings, all within the town of Beechworth. Selection of the site and how the artwork will relate with the site will be a collaborative process between the artist and the exhibition team. Finalists will have approximately eight months to create the artwork to be exhibited in the BCAA.
An informative Education Program will accompany the BCAA. The Education Program will be accessed on line through the BCAA website. The Education Program will include photographic documentation, artist interviews and various opportunities for each finalist to promote their artwork. This content will be written by educators and promoted to BCAA sponsors, schools and other audiences in the months leading up to and after the September 2022 exhibition. The Education Program will be an integral component to the BCAA and allows for a variety of learning, entertainment and promotion opportunities to be explored during COVID normal and lockdown times.
An exciting Public Program will also accompany the BCAA exhibition’s three days in Beechworth. Music, performance, free and ticketed events will entertain and inform audiences of all ages. Art lovers, the curious, and even the sceptics can choose to engage with the variety on offer. The town of Beechworth has fabulous restaurants, breweries, cellar doors and specialty shops along with boutique and family friendly accommodation. The region is also known for its many beautiful natural and heritage sites, walking and bike riding opportunities with rail trails and mountain bike parks aplenty.
Join the BCAA team and work closely with artists and audiences.
BCAA values diverse experiences and perspectives, and welcomes those wishing to develop their skills and pursue an interest in regional community and contemporary art. Please note there is no financial reimbursement for these roles. There are other benefits and opportunities for volunteering before, during and post event;
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