Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamber hosts inaugural art prize to support First Nations creatives

“Keep the Fire Burning! Blak Loud and Proud” will be the theme of an inaugural First Nations art prize hosted in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Esperance. The Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamber will launch its nationwide Walkanu Art Prize in June to celebrate this year’s NAIDOC week from July 7 to 14. The art prize’s theme echoes that chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee and is said to honour “the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture”. GABC acting general manager Jade Malanczak said the Walkanu — meaning to mark or to paint in Tjupan language — Art Prize would provide a platform to support emerging and established First Nations artists and creatives. “The GABC is committed to nurturing the wide array of Aboriginal businesses, which includes artists and creatives,” she said. “The Walkanu Art Prize offers an excellent opportunity to support this cohort as all pieces will be available for purchase.” The competition will host four categories: 2D, 3D, digital art and photography, with prizes totalling $15,000. Shortlisted artworks will be exhibited for free at Goldfields Art Centre across six weeks. A curated selection will travel to Esperance and be displayed at Cannery Arts Centre for two weeks. GABC said it would invite participants to share their artistic journey by sending in photos of their preparation process. The images will then be featured on the Walkanu Prize Instagram page to provide a behind-the-scenes insight into each submission. Submissions close on May 26 before the exhibition opens on June 28. Artists looking to participate can email hello@wanderaround.com.au. The Walkanu Art Prize is seeking corporate sponsorship, with interested businesses and organisations encouraged to email gday@wanderconsulting.com.au.