Unley's Art Prize finalists announced

Published on 12 May 2025

The fifth time it is being held, the art prize was open to South Australian artists at all career stages and working in all mediums, exploring the theme of connections to the City of Unley.

The judging panel comprises Gloria Strzelecki from the Art Gallery of South Australia, Fullarton Ward Councillor Peter Hughes, Parkside Ward Councillor Luke Doyle, Matthew Ives, City of Unley’s Cultural Development Officer and Karen Paris, Unley Museum Curator.

Judge Gloria Strzelecki, Associate Curator of the Art Gallery of South Australia said:

“This year we saw many new names in our finalist list, and some artists who have been shortlisted before, which demonstrates the reach of the prize and its importance within the local arts community.’  

‘The exhibition will be an enticing, eclectic collection of works in a broad cross-section of media, including works created from found materials, collage and cyanotype. It was wonderful to see so many different techniques and conceptual responses to the theme. I congratulate all the finalists on their selection.’

The judging panel selected the finalists whose works will be exhibited at the Hughes Gallery in Fullarton from Friday 6 to 27 June. The overall winner will be announced on 6 June.

The major prize of $5000 for the overall winner is supported by an Elected Members Choice Award, with $500 awarded to the finalist selected by the City of Unley's Elected Members, which will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition.

Councillor Peter Hughes says, ‘The art prize is a highlight of the City of Unley’s creative calendar, giving us the opportunity to see the many unique ways that artists interact with, and interpret, our wonderful city.’

Councillor Luke Doyle, a first-time judge this year, said ‘With so many talented artists entering high-quality artworks using different media, it was a very challenging and exciting job to choose a winner.' 

The finalists make an eclectic group, with works entered in a range of formats that include digital media, sculpture, ceramics and painting.

Anastasia Benveniste won last year’s major prize with a detailed monochrome work in ink lines, impressing the judges with a clever articulation of Unley’s physical environment.

Entry to the finalists’ exhibition is free, with the Hughes Gallery open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Visitors can also vote for their favourite works in the People’s Choice Award category.

The full list of finalists can be viewed at unley.sa.gov.au/unley-art-prize

The illustration shows the painting 'Accidentally Forest Street' (crop) by one of the shortlisted artists, Deb Rooney.