Art competition boosts confidence for Indigenous artists

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Southern Queensland Landscapes (SQ Landscapes) and the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) invites First Nations people from our 28 Nations in Southern Queensland to showcase their original works created within the last two years. The competition's theme, "Get up, Stand Up, Show Up," highlights the deep and enduring relationship between First Nations peoples and their land and environment, and to encourage artists to share their unique perspectives and beliefs.

The winners of the competition will receive a range of prizes that is valued up to $18,000, including cash awards and art supplies, and will be displayed at the University of Southern Queensland gallery.

Breanna Humes, the coordinator for the competition at SQ Landscapes, emphasizes the competition's importance in recognizing and supporting First Nations artists. She believes that First Nations art is an integral part of Australia's cultural identity and heritage, and the competition provides an opportunity to celebrate the creativity and diversity of First Nations artists and promote their works to a wider audience.

“The First Nations Art Competition is an important step to recognising the significant cultural value that art plays in Indigenous communities,” Breanna Humes said.

“Last year’s competition featured a wide range of contestants, from young Indigenous people all the way to some of our most recognisable Elders,” Miss Humes said.

“There’s also a diversity in Nations that participated, from Kooma to Bidjara, Gamileroi and more,” she said.

“We’re really excited to see who, and what, is submitted this year; particularly with the addition of new digital and 3D mediums.”

“Last year’s competition featured a wide range of contestants, from young Indigenous people all the way to some of our most recognisable Elders,” Miss Humes said.

The competition is also a way to address the ongoing issues and lack of recognition faced by First Nations artists, increasing public awareness and appreciation of their art and culture.

The competition panel includes renowned artists and First Nations experts including Uncle Wayne Fossey, Elder-in-Residence for the University of Southern Queensland, Uncle Colin Jones a Kaladoon and Nunuckle artist and Elder, and Sue McMaster from Murray’s Art and Framing. The judges bring a wealth of experience and expertise in contemporary art and a deep understanding of the cultural significance of First Nations art.

The 2023 First Nations Art Competition is currently accepting entries, with a submission deadline of Friday June 2, 2023. The winners will be announced by Friday 7 July, and the selected artworks will be exhibited in the University of Southern Queensland’s gallery.

The competition is also an opportunity for businesses and organizations to support and promote First Nations artists, either by sponsoring the competition or purchasing artworks for their corporate collections, providing valuable support to the First Nations arts community.

“The art competition has opened a lot of doors for me. I’m taking on commission work at the moment as well as a piece that will be on display at the UniSQ gallery next month,” she said.

Melinda Luscombe, the 2022 Overall Winner and 25+ Winner overwhelmingly encourages anyone interested to apply.

“When I entered, I was very shy and I felt that my art wasn’t going to be good enough compared to the other entries,” Melinda Luscombe said.

“But to my surprise, I actually won and that was a huge boost to my confidence. I didn’t expect to win, but seeing that I won the overall prize it really reminded me of the importance of being proud of our heritage and art and showing it to the world,” Ms Luscombe said.

“The art competition has opened a lot of doors for me. I’m taking on commission work at the moment as well as a piece that will be on display at the UniSQ gallery next month,” she said.

“This year’s theme is Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up; which is what I did last year. I am excited to enter again this year and really extend this theme into my art by showing up and acknowledging that there’s something to be proud of as an artist and to give it a go.”

To enter the First Nations Art Competition, visit: https://www.sqlandscapes.org.au/2023-first-nations-art-competition

The First Nations Art Competition is an initiative by Southern Queensland Landscapes and is supported by the University of Southern Queensland.

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