MISSION to Seafarers Victoria is getting ready to open the doors to its Maritime Art Prize and Exhibition 2023.
MtSV has announced the finalists of the annual competition and will announce the winners next week.
The Maritime Art Prize and Exhibition, now in its 21st year, celebrates the connection between humanity and the sea.
The event is open to the public, showcasing the work of participating artists and supporting the work of MtSV.
Jane Scott, lead curator and judge of the Maritime Art Prize and Exhibition 2023, highlighted the diversity of high quality artworks submitted.
“A record-breaking 197 entries this year raised the level of competition for the prize,” Ms Scott said.
“I was amazed at the quality and diversity of entries; this is a truly unique celebration of the sea and our engagement with it.”
This year’s finalists include 73 established and emerging artists from across Australia, each bringing their own perspective to the theme of “the relationship of humanity to the sea”.
Artists are competing for a share of the $25,000 prize pool split across five categories.
The winner of the MSC Maritime Art Award will receive $15,000 and the winner of the Best in Traditional Maritime Art Award will take home $5000.
The Runner-Up Award offers $2000 in prize money, the Port of Melbourne Emerging Artist Award winner will receive $1000 and the Viewers’ Choice Award winner will receive $2000.
Judges for 2023 include Geelong gallery director and CEO Jason Smith, arts industry leader Jane Scott and Heide Museum of Modern Art artistic director Lesley Harding.
The exhibition will take place at the heritage-listed Mission to Seafarers building in Docklands, Victoria from 20 until 26 October. Admission to the exhibition is free.
MtSV will announce the winners on 19 October.
