Western Downs Regional Artists’ Exhibition 2024 OPEN for entries

Published on 03 April 2024

The Western Downs Regional Artists’ Exhibition has officially opened for entries today with the theme Rural Realities.

Now in its 11th consecutive year, the highly anticipated exhibition is presented by Western Downs Regional Council, supported by the Western Downs Galleries Committee which is represented by Gallery 107@Dalby, Dogwood Crossing, Miles and Chinchilla’s Lapunyah Art Gallery.

The exhibition serves as a catalyst for new work from budding and established artists across the entire Western Downs and organisers hope to attract another impressive array following last year’s record number of entries.

“It’s always an exciting time for our region when the theme for this event is announced and the call goes out for entries,” Western Downs CEO Jodie Taylor said.

“Our arts community consistently rises to the challenge every year to surprise and delight us and reflect our lives back to us in ways we might never have imagined.”

Mrs Taylor said it was particularly pleasing to see the number of entries from the youth in our region growing every year and she hoped this trend would continue for 2024.

Last year’s winner of the Works on Paper category, Kristen Flynn, has entered every year since moving to Chinchilla a decade ago and has claimed various placings over that time.

Flynn said having a new theme each year pushed artists to continue exploring new terrain and to consider fresh perspectives in their work.

“There is a lot of high calibre artists in our region and this exhibition brings them out of the woodwork,” she said.

“I think the number of artists and the level of work will surprise people who live in the area who may not frequent their local art galleries.”

For the artists involved, the opening night event also provided the chance to network.

“There is a little bit of distance between the towns in our region, so this is one night where you get all the artists in one place which is very refreshing, educational and important for art makers.”

Four categories are offered; Painting; Works on Paper; Photography and New Media art; and 3D Works, with a total prize pool of $3800.

Entries are selected by an independent curator for the exhibition which will this year be shown at Lapunyah Gallery from 21 September to 31 October.

The entry fee per work submitted is $25 ($5 for youth, 18 and under) and entries close on 8 July, 2024.

Full details and the entry form can be found at www.westerndownsarts.com.au

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Media Contact:

Western Downs Regional Council Media Office 07 4679 4265

Wendy Hughes | Digital Marketing Officer 0438 535 730