Council congratulates Art Prize winners

Published on 01 March 2022

Burwood’s artistic community came together on Friday in a night of celebration and colour to hear who would be crowned the winners of 2022 Art Prize and have their work permanently hung in a Council building.

This year 72 artists took advantage of extra time afforded by the lockdown to enter the competition, which continues to grow in popularity each year.

Stacey Fredericks, with her submission “Woodside Avenue,” was awarded the New and Emerging Artist Prize and took home the accompanying $2,500 cheque.

Tom Butler-Lowe was awarded the top honour and $10,000 with his work “Platform 6-Half-past 9”.

The local artist who had only moved into the community around 18 months ago, was stunned by his win.

“I frequently use the Burwood railway and many times I look at that platform. When I looked at the specifications of the competition that particular angle encompasses the railway, which is instrumental in building Burwood,” Mr Butler-Lowe said after he was announced as the winner.

“It also has the iconic heritage of the post office and its clock tower, and the modern buildings in the background. So it really painted itself, and I’m very happy and grateful to win.”

Mayor John Faker congratulated all the artists for their high quality of work, and urged the community to come down and see the exhibition before casting a vote online in the People’s Choice.

“My aim since we first created the Prize was that it would become a huge cultural event that would celebrated in our community.

“This year we have increased the prize pool to $13,500 which is the biggest we have had so far and reinforced our commitment to arts within the local area,” Cr Faker concluded.

The Burwood Art Prize exhibition is open at the Burwood Library and Community Hub until Wednesday 30 March. A month’s program of cultural activities, including music and art workshops, will also take place.

Visit the Burwood Art Prize Page for a full program.