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2009 Blake Prize for Religious Art

Article released: Sunday, 23 August, 2009

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The Blake Prize for Religious Art is one of the more prestigious art prizes in Australia. For 58 years it has been awarding a prize for works of art that explore the subject of religious awareness and spirituality. Unlike other art prizes that are awarded for distinct subject areas such as landscape or portraiture, the Blake has always invited a much more open, personal and idiosyncratic response, so much so that it has earned the criticism, ire and sometimes applause of critics and the public alike.

This year COFA is represented in the Blake Prize Exhibition by several members of staff and Alumni, including Dr Phillip George and Jasper Knight. Among the other entries are Kate Briscoe, Katthy Cavaliere, Tanya Cahitow, Leonardo Cremonese, Adam Cullen, Leah Fraser, Maria Ionico, Eva Marosy- Weide, Angelica Mesiti, Ms. & Mr. (Stephanie and Richard nova Milne), Tom Polo,  Simon Power, and Leah- Nicole Torbay. As well as being represented in the category of finalists, two COFA Alumni are on the judging panel, Del Kathryn Barton and Andrew Frost.

The Blake Prize for Religious Art was established in 1951 and is the oldest prize in Australia dedicated to spirituality, religion and cultural diversity. It is a $20,000 annual non-acquisitive prize. This year there is also a new category, the Blake Prize for Human Justice. This new award, worth $5,000, acknowledges and promotes the work of artists who have addressed issues of human justice.
The 58th Blake Prize is awarded by the Blake Society Ltd in partnership with the National Art School. The Prize is named after the artist and writer William Blake.


COFA extends its congratulations to all of its Alumni and Staff on this commendable achievement.


WHAT: Finalist Exhibition, and Announcement of the Winner
WHEN: Thursday 3 September 2009. Exhibition continues to 4 October 2009.
WHERE: National Arts School Gallery


58th Blake Prize for Religious Art touring exhibition:
Delmar Trinity Gallery
144 Victoria Street
Ashfield NSW
12 January - 22 February 2010

Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
Cnr Bayliss and Morrow Streets
Wagga Wagga NSW
4 April - 1 May 2010

Gallery M
Marion Cultural Centre
Oaklands Park SA
20 June - 31 July 2010