HOBART.- Hadley’s Art Prize today announced 30 contemporary Australian artists who have been selected as finalists for the $100,000 acquisitive landscape prize, representing one of Australia’s richest art prizes, presented in Hobart from 22 July – 20 August 2023.

Selected for the best portrayal of the Australian landscape, this year's list of finalists features representation from every state in Australia and includes leading Australian artists such as Joan Ross (NSW), Raymond Arnold (TAS), Betty Chimney (SA), Sebastian Di Mauro (QLD), Megan Evans (VIC), Mabel Juli (WA), Kieren Karritpul (NT), Donna Marcus (QLD), Patrick Mung Mung (WA), Megan Walch (TAS), Philip Wolfhagen (TAS), alongside emerging and early career artists.

The 2023 judging panel comprises one of Australia’s most acclaimed and awarded artists Wendy Sharpe, celebrated Tasmanian artist Milan Milojevic, and artist, curator, writer and Associate Professor at The University of Queensland, Dr Fiona Foley. This year the judges have selected works that span a range of mediums, from oil, acrylic, gouache and beeswax, to natural ochre and dyes, weaving, crochet, aluminium and steel.

Milan Milojevic, 2023 Hadley’s Art Prize Judge said: “This year's exhibition of finalists is strong and diverse, with a notable focus on historical and contemporary issues and the various ways in which they manifest, in particular climate change. The Hadley’s Art Prize draws a huge number of artists from around Australia and gives audiences a connection with contemporary artists they would not necessarily see in Hobart.”

Fiona Foley, 2023 Hadley’s Art Prize Judge said: “The field is very strong in its representation of Indigenous artists and female artists this year”, and Wendy Sharpe, 2023 Hadley’s Art Prize Judge added, “It was exciting to see the quality and range of work submitted for this year’s Hadley's Art Prize"

Amy Jackett, Curator, Hadley’s Art Prize, Hobart said: “We are thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2023 Hadley’s Art Prize. Continuing a long legacy of supporting Australian artists, the Hadley’s Art Prize not only offers a career defining moment for artists with one of the nation’s most generous art prizes, it celebrates excellence in contemporary landscape art and contributes greatly to the local art community and Tasmania’s cultural tourism”.

As well as the Major Prize of $100,000, there is a $10,000 Residency Prize, a $2500 People’s Choice Award, a $1000 Packing Room Prize, and $1500 worth of prizes for students.

The Finalists’ Exhibition will take place from 22 July to 20 August 2023, with the winner announced at the opening on Friday 21 July at Hadley’s Orient Hotel, Hobart. Artworks are for sale and entry to the exhibition is free.

Established by Hadley’s Orient Hotel, Hobart in 2017, the Hadley’s Art Prize is one of Australia’s most lucrative art awards offering $100,000 to the winning entry. Presented by Hadley’s Orient Hotel, the annual acquisitive award seeks to contribute to the Tasmanian and Australian art scene, generating interest in cultural tourism and promoting the work of contemporary landscape artists. The award aims to be inclusive, encouraging entries from early career artists and indigenous artists. The award is judged on the artist’s creativity, statement/story, and technical skill. The Hadley’s Art Prize celebrates landscape art, reconnecting with the art displayed at Hadley’s Orient Hotel over a century ago. Judged by a different panel of art experts every year, the prize is open to Australian artists,over the age of 18, working in two dimensional mediums. The works of finalists are exhibited in customised gallery spaces at Hadley’s Orient Hotel in late July and August. The winning entry is added to a growing permanent collection at the hotel that is publicly accessible. As well as the Major Prize, there is also a Residency Prize valued at $10,000, a Packing Room Prize valued at $1000, a $2500 People’s Choice Award, as well as $1500 worth of prizes for school students.