North East Water celebrate National Water Week with Annual Art Prize
North East Water has partnered with the Burraja Gallery and Murray Arts to showcase the artwork of local First Nations artists for the North East Water Aboriginal Aquisitional Art Prize. The theme for this years’ event is ‘water’ and coincides with celebrations for National Water Week.
Anthony Hernan, Managing Director of North East Water says:
“The exhibition really highlights the cultural importance of water in all our lives. We recognise that First Nations people have a deep connection to local waterways and lands, and this is certainly evident in each piece on display.”
Three prizes have been awarded this year, the NEW Prize, the NECMA Prize and the DELWP Prize. North East Water, North East Catchment Management Authority and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) have all purchased one of the winning pieces.
The NEW Prize was awarded to ‘Gali Wadabaa’ (pictured) by Trish Cerminara (Gamilaroi); the NECWA Prize was awarded to ‘The One That Got Away’ by Valda Murray (Yorta Yorta, Duduroa Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation TO); and the DELWP Prize was awarded to ‘Life Blood’ by Kelly Lock (Boandik Nation).
Murray Arts Executive Director, Alyce Fisher, said “This partnership is a great opportunity to showcase the stunning work produced by artists involved with Burraja Gallery and the Aboriginal Artists Network”
“There are a variety of mediums, including acrylic on canvas, works on paper and wood carving”, Ms Fisher said.
“We have developed a new online virtual 3D tour of the exhibition this year in an effort to allow as many people as possible to view the artwork. Of course, everyone is welcome to the experience the artwork in person at our pop-up gallery in Albury, subject to the current COVID-19 restrictions in place.”
The exhibition will be on display at Burraja Gallery’s pop-up space, 560 Olive Street in Albury between 10am and 4pm, Monday 18 October to Friday 29 October 2021.
View the 3D virtual exhibition tour here.
