Overview
Back for its second run, the Northern Beaches Environmental Art and Design Prize is here to add some sun to the cooler months. Part of the larger Creative Open festival, the prize is taking over three of the beaches' key arts spaces: Manly Art Gallery & Museum, Curl Curl Creative Space and Mona Vale Pop-Up Gallery.
As the event title suggests, all works are focused on our natural environment. Specifically — and importantly, given the current climate emergency — how the artistic world interprets, responds to and advocates for our planet.
Jo Mellor, 'Care in the Era of Solastalgia'
The works come from the minds of 212 contemporary artists and designers — hailing from all over the country — and span ceramics, sculpture, film, painting, wearable designs and photography, as well as collaboration across mediums. Their intent? Igniting inspiration and sparking change for a better world.
This year, there are nine categories for the brilliant lineup of judges to pick a winner in, as well as a People's Choice Award (so don't forget to cast your vote when you visit).
Chad Ajamian, 'Road to Recovery — Hawkesbury River Flood in Infrared'
If you're searching for a healthy serving of culture, but don't want to venture far from the sand, head to Manly, Curly or Mona to explore the exhibition (then, if you're game, take an icy dip at one of the many pristine beaches nearby).
The Northern Beaches Environmental Art and Design Prize is on display across Manly Art Gallery & Museum, Curl Curl Creative Space and Mona Vale Pop-Up Gallery from Friday, August 5 till Sunday, August 28. The free exhibition is open from 10am–5pm, Tuesday–Sunday.
Top image: Martina Clarke, 'Autotanks'.