MELBOURNE.-The winning artists of the inaugural Wilson HTM National Art Prize, which attracted more than 250 entries from visual artists across Australia, will be announced at the Sophie Gannon gallery in Melbourne on 13 February 2008.

The award was created by Artworkers Alliance, a not-for profit Australian cultural development agency, in partnership with Wilson HTM Investment Group in 2007. The $12,000 prize has successfully created a platform for innovative and diverse works from some of Australia’s leading contemporary visual artists - as well as many up and coming artists to showcase their works on a national stage.

The finalists’ works will be exhibited to the public in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The touring exhibition will culminate in the awarding of a People’s Choice award open to art lovers and members of the public. Finalist’s artwork will be available to view online at www.artworkers.org or www.wilsonhtm.com.au from 1 February 2008.

David Broker, Director of Canberra Contemporary Art Space and one of the judges for the prize said the entries for the award highlight some exciting developments in Australian contemporary art, particularly in the digital space.

“For the finalists we chose works that we felt reflected a high degree of technical facility and represented a snapshot of the current developments in contemporary art,” he said. Acting CEO of Artworkers Wendy Mansell said the new award plays an important role in helping enhance the careers of some of Australia’s most promising emerging artists.

“The partnership with Wilson HTM is important to the Australian visual arts sector as it not only provides the opportunity for new works to gain recognition, but also highlights the importance of collaboration between the corporate and arts sectors to nurture the creative talents of Australians,” she said.

More than 250 entries for the award were considered by the judging committee which includes leaders from the contemporary arts field including; David Broker (Director, Canberra Contemporary Art Space), Reuben Keehan (Curator ARTSPACE, Sydney), and Zara Stanhope (Senior Curator and Deputy Director, Heide Museum of Modern Art, Victoria).