Tags: art gallery, Matthew Flinders, artist, artwork, Bribie Island. Moreton Bay. Brisbane
Excitement is building for the opening of this year’s Matthew Flinders Art Prize. Now in its 21st year, the Matthew Flinders Art Prize honours artists of all mediums and showcases the wonderful Bribie Island Community Arts Centre where it is housed. The Arts Centre, built in 1988 in Banksia Beach, had the splendid Matthew Flinders Gallery added in 1999.
The same year, in tribute to Bribie Island’s intrepid discoverer/ explorer, an annual art competition/exhibition began in his namesake gallery. The MFAP has been a focal point for creatives and the art-loving community on Bribie Island and the surrounding region, eagerly anticipated and joined and a launch point for several successful artists over the years. Initially drawing local Bribie artists who worked, shared and honed their craft at the Arts Centre, it has grown and spread its range to artists from all over south-east Queensland and beyond.
This expansion has been helped significantly by generous local sponsors and supporters. This year, the sponsors are; Hans Electrical, Bribie RSL, Waterways Motel, Gem Life, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Traditional Funerals, Ireland Flooring, Victory Press, Mitre 10 Bribie, italkTravel & Cruise, Simone Wilson MP for Pumicestone. In keeping with the event’s growth and enhanced status within the arts community, it has done away with categories and is now an open competition.
In recent years, major prize winners have been a painter – and also a sculptor and photographers. Prize money totals $8500. First prize is $5000, second prize $2000 and there are two $500 Highly Commended awards. There is also a $500 People’s Choice prize. This year’s entries which will be judged and hung on July 15 -18 promise an outstanding exhibition, says organising committee chairman, Stephanie White.
Bribie Island Community Arts Society members and friends look forward to the 2019 event with excitement to the opening on July 19. The MFAP runs July 20 until August 9 at Bribie Island Community Arts Centre 191 Sunderland Drive Banksia Beach. Hours Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 4 pm. MFAP Opening Nights tickets are $10 each. Book yours on 3408 9288, but be quick as numbers are limited. Don’t miss it – and vote for your favourite.