Art Awards


 

The Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards will be held again this year, marking the 45th anniversary of the Art Awards in 2020. Since its inauguration in 1976, the Art Awards have become one of Queensland’s most prestigious regional art events and is eagerly anticipated each year. The 2019 edition of the Art Awards attracted 372 entries from established, emerging and amateur artists from across the country and over 4,395 visitors attended the exhibition and supported public programs. 

Martin Hanson (1923-1976) was a popular and highly-respected local businessman who was Member for Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Port Curtis 1963-1976, and patron to the Gladstone Artists Club. As a tribute to his patronage, in conjunction with the Hanson family, the Gladstone Artists Club held the first Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards and Exhibition in 1976.

The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum became the custodian of the Art Awards in 1993.

From 1976 until her passing in 1998, Mary Hanson, Martin Hanson’s widow, officially opened the exhibition and presented the prizes in memory of her late husband. Their daughter, Elizabeth Zussino, has continued their family’s commitment through sponsorship of The Local Murri Artist Award.

The Art Awards were renamed in 2007 in recognition of Rio Tinto’s generous support of the Art Awards and arts in Queensland, which continues today.

In 2014, the format of the Art Awards changed with the addition of a fourth section of entry, Digital Works, adding to the three existing sections of entry: Easel Paintings, Works on Paper, Three Dimensional and Fibre Works. The same year, Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) also supported the inauguration of The QAL People's Choice Awards, inviting the general public to vote for their favourite works on display within all sections of entry. 

The Art Awards are only possible each year due to the ongoing generous support from local individuals, businesses and industry. The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum is thankful to have these positive sponsor relationships and strives hard every year to ensure that the Art Awards are unforgettable.

The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum has confirmed the judge for this year’s Art Awards to be Sue Smith. Ms Smith is an artist, writer and curator. She has held the position of Art Collection Manager at CQUniversity Australia since August 2012, after serving for nine years as Director of the Rockhampton Art Gallery and Manager Art Services for the Rockhampton Regional Council. Ms Smith is sure to provide exciting insight and interpretation of our region’s most prestigious art awards.

Due to the COVID-19 considerations, the usual public attendance at the gallery will not be taking place this year. An Announcement of Winners will be held on Saturday, 17 October 2020 and live streamed on Facebook for public viewing.

The 45th Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards 2020 exhibition of entries, supported by individuals, businesses and industry.

For more information on the history of the awards visit Past Exhibitions.

 

KEY DATES for 2020

Calling for submissions – 10am - 4pm, Wednesday, 30 September to Tuesday, 6 October (excludes Sunday, 4 October & Monday, 5 October)

GRAGM closed for installation – 4pm, Tuesday, 6 October to 10am, Saturday, 17 October

Exhibition Opens – 10am, Saturday, 17 October 

Judge’s Floor Talk – 11am, Wednesday, 4 November via our Facebook page

Judge’s Illustrated Lecture – 11am, Wednesday, 18 November via our Facebook page

Announcement of Winners – 6.30pm, Saturday, 17 October via live stream on Facebook (view invitation HERE)

QAL People’s Choice Awards voting available to the public - 10am, Monday, 19 October to 5pm, Thursday, 26 November

QAL People’s Choice Awards Morning Tea – 11am, Wednesday, 2 December
Booking essential, please call us to RSVP or email at gragm@gladstone@.qld.gov.au

Exhibition Closes – 5pm, Saturday, 30 January 2021

Collection of Works – 10am to 4pm, Monday, 1 February to Saturday, 6 February 2021

This year’s Art Awards is reaching further into the virtual world, providing an alternate enjoyment experience via Council's Conversations platform.

If you are an Art Awards entrant, please create an Artist Profile as an accompaniment to your submitted artwork:
https://conversations.gladstone.qld.gov.au/projects/45th-martin-hanson-art-awards-2020/artist-profiles

In addition to viewing the exhibition at the Gallery & Museum, all artwork entries can be found in the online gallery here: https://conversations.gladstone.qld.gov.au/projects/45th-martin-hanson-art-awards-2020/entries-martin-hanson-memorial-art-show

COVID-19 UPDATES


Due to the ongoing COVID-19 health emergency, conditions surrounding the 45th Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards are subject to change. Venue capacity limits are in place and may affect your planned visit during the awards. 

 

THIS YEAR'S JUDGE

SUE SMITH is an artist, writer and curator. She has held the position of Art Collection Manager at CQUniversity Australia since August 2012, after serving for nine years as Director of the Rockhampton Art Gallery and Manager Art Services for the Rockhampton Regional Council. Ms Smith is an exhibiting artist and her works are held in public and private collections in Australia. She trained in the visual arts at the Queensland College of Art and the CQ TAFE; and studied at the University of Queensland, where she graduated in Art History and Modern and Ancient History. Her postgraduate studies at the Courtauld Institute of Art, London were in the History of European art.  

 

SPONSORS:


The 45th Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards 2019 are made possible thanks to generous sponsorship support from:

MAJOR SPONSORS:
GOLD SPONSORS:
SILVER SPONSORS:
BRONZE SPONSORS:
THE 2020 ART AWARDS ARE PROUDLY HOSTED BY:

 

**Please note that some dates and details in the 'MARK THE CALENDAR' section of our 2020 Brochure below are outdated. Please refer to the above 'KEY DATES' for the latest information. 

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