Central Coast Council is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Gosford Art Prize, with $28,000 in prize money.

This year 908 entries were received from across Australia, with 135 of the artworks selected as finalists for exhibition, making it a difficult job for both the selection panel and finalist judges, which comprised artist Peter Godwin and curator Libby Knott.

While it was a difficult task, the judges were unanimous in their selection for the first prize winner – local Central Coast artist Maree Azzopardi, for her artwork ‘The Crossings’.  In winning first prize, Ms Azzopardi also won $15,000.

Commenting on the winning artwork by Ms Azzopardi, Judge Peter Godwin said he enjoyed the historical metaphor and symbolism of the artwork.  

Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart said the Gosford Art Prize is known for making a real difference to an artist’s career.

“The Gosford Art Prize  offers an exciting range of opportunities for visual artists working in any art form to showcase their work to a large audience and potentially become an acquisition of the Central Coast’s art collection.

“Once again, the calibre of artists from around the country was extremely high – however it was fantastic that the winner was local artist Maree Azzopardi from The Entrance and that 30% of the finalists were from the Central Coast.  

"This is a real indication of the strength of the art scene on the Coast,” Mr Hart said.

“I would like to congratulate Maree Azzopardi as the major winner however we also offer congratulations to the other category winners and to all the artists who entered from across Australia.”

Central Coast Council Director of the Regional Gallery, Tim Braham said the selection panel aimed to include a variety of styles, content and techniques with fierce competition amongst a range of artwork.

“Events such as this annual Gosford Art Prize, provide opportunities for both local and national artists to bring quality contemporary art to the Central Coast. 

“The Gosford Art Prize has evolved from its humble beginning in the 70s, to now be  recognised as a significant goal for artists to aim for,” Mr Braham said. 

The winners of the other categories are: 
•    Second Prize $5,000 Kim Fasher with artwork Missing Mythology
•    Aboriginal Artist Prize $2,500 Ethan-James Kotiau - Gurrba - Fishing Net
•    Gosford Ceramics Prize $2,500 Kelly Austin with artwork Stilled Composition 119    
•    Highly Commended (three prizes) $1,000 each:
      - Armando Chant - Dusk Over the Mountain
      - Elle Kaufmann - Mellow Yellow
      - Lihnida Krstanoska – Blazeska – A Faithful Dog Killed in Error    
 

Mr Braham added the perennial favourite ‘Viewer’s Choice Award’, will be decided by visitors to the Gallery voting on their favourite entry, at the end of the exhibition period.  The winner will receive the honour plus $500 prize money.

The 2024 finalist exhibition is display until 20 October 2024 at the Gosford Regional Gallery, 9.30am – 4pm daily, entry is free.