Georges River Art Prize announces winners

The 2023 edition of the biennial Georges River Art Prize has seen a record-breaking 366 entrants compete for prizes adding up to over $20,000 in winnings and materials.

This year’s major winner was Libby Moore, nabbing top spot with her work I’m right behind you (except when I’m right in front of you). The artist will walk away with a bumper $10,000 prize for her efforts. Judges Tony Costa, Patrick Cremin and Carrie Kibbler also acknowledged the works of Geoff Harvey, Tamara Pottier and Tammy Whitworth, naming their submissions as Highly Commended.

The Georges River Sculpture prize went to Kerry Cannon for The angels will bring Benny Whitecrane, Mike Piper and Arlan Pride to heaven, earning them $5,000. The Highly Commended awards in this category went to Minka Gillian, Tika Robinson and again Geoff Harvey.

The Georges River Art Prize also seeks to elevate local talent with their Local Artist Prize, which includes a solo exhibition alongside the $4,000 winnings. This year Birthday cake and Namitjira by Margaret Lyons claimed this prize, with work by Narelle Scott granted a Highly Commended accolade.

The prize also honours young artists – the Georges River Little Artists Prize is open to budding creatives aged 7 to 12, and the Georges River Youth Prize looks to recognise rising talents between the ages of 13 and 17. Scarlett Horne won a $200 materials voucher for her submission From the heart in the Little Artists category, with Eva Ding, Rebecca Wu and Veronica Young conferred with Highly Commended awards. Meanwhile, Phoebe Luo’s Random perception took out top spot in the Youth Prize, with Highly Commended going to Ronak Jagtap, Zoe Lee and Lucy Liang.

Georges River Council Mayor Sam Elmir congratulated all of the winners, stating that “the calibre of artworks were very impressive”, and that the large crowd at the official opening of the Prize’s exhibition was particularly exciting: “It was so pleasing to see more than 100 attend the official opening and celebrate our vibrant local and national art scene”.

The exhibitions showcasing all finalists are now on, with works by participants of the Georges River Art Prize, Sculpture Prize and Local Artist Prize on show at the Hurstville Museum and Gallery, and those of the Georges River Youth Prize and Little Artist Prize displayed at the Clive James Library & Service Centre, Kogarah. Two prizes are yet to be awarded, with the People’s Choice Prize and Favourite Young Artist Prize still up for grabs. Check out the high calibre works before 18 January 2024 and cast your vote.