2021 Bowness Photography Prize is now accepting entries

The 16th annual Bowness Photography Prize has opened for entries this week as the MGA Foundation calls on photographers to submit images captured in the last year, a year that was truly unforgettable for all. 

The annual photography competition is an important survey of contemporary photographic practice, and provides Australian artists with the opportunity to exhibit at one of Australia's leading public galleries. 

The overall winner will be awarded the grand sum of $30,000. The Smith & Singer People’s Choice Award winner will be chosen the public, with the winning entrant set to take home $5,000. 

Last year’s overall winner was Dr Christian Thompson AO for his entry titled Rule of three. 

"The last year has been one of turmoil, as the global pandemic began to transform all our lives. This rapid change marks a paradigm shift in the way artists live and work," said MGA Gallery Director Anouska Phizacklea.

"The Bowness Photography Prize is an anchor to our annual programming, and this year’s prize will speak to a pivotal moment in all of our lives. How artists have chosen to respond to this shift is something that we are eagerly anticipating – as artists add their voices to our cultural record,”

 

Joining Anouska Phizacklea on this year’s judging panel will be renowned Australian artist Del Kathryn Barton and Director of the National Portrait Gallery, Karen Quinlan AM.  

"We are excited to start another season of entries for the Bowness Photography Prize. With a focus on excellence, this prize continues to highlight Australian contemporary photography. Each year we are amazed by the calibre of creativity from both emerging and established artists and cannot wait to see what this year's prize brings,” said MGA Foundation Chair Kallie Blauhorn.

Entries are open now and will close on June 30, 2021. To find out more about the prize, visit the website here.