2011 Winners

On Thursday 6th October, Stephen Bradford, Ceo Port of Melbourne Corporation officially launched this year’s Mission to Seafarers Victoria ANL Maritime Art Prize & Exhibition. Melbourne artists Lisa Radford and Sam George were awarded the $15,000 first prize sponsored by ANL Container Line. This is the first time in the history of the maritime art prize that award has been presented to a female, or in this case two female artists, whose work “Untitled (International Code Signal)” was announced the winning entry.

The Senior Naval Officer Victoria and Commanding Officer HMAS Cerberus, Captain Mark Hill decoded the message for guests on the night as saying “We can say love.” Lisa and Sam suggested that the message they have presented in their work is one for all of the seafarers and visitors to the Mission whilst the work is on display until 23rd October, 2011.

Greg Creek PhD, RMIT University spoke on behalf of the Judging Panel also including Alex Baker PhD, Senior Curator – Contemporary Art, the National Gallery of Victoria and Contemporary Artist Nadine Christensen MA, describing the work as a clever interpretation of the theme “The relationship between humanity and the sea”.

Maritime Artist Norman Quinn was awarded the ASP Group ‘Best in Traditional Maritime Art’ $5,000 and Sharon West was awarded the Bendigo Wealth Emerging Artist Award, $5,000. The Mission to Seafarers Victoria, Ceo Andrea Fleming said “The Mission is thankful to all of the contributing artists and sponsors. The award attracted over 180 entries this year from all over Australia and we are thrilled with the outcome which contributes greatly to supporting the provision of welfare services in the Port of Melbourne”.

Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favourite painting in the World Trade Centre People’s Choice Award, to be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition. The ANL Maritime Art Prize, promotes excellence in maritime and seafaring subjects in art. The exhibition is open Wednesday – Sunday12noon – 7pm, entry is by gold coin donation and all works are for sale with 33% of proceeds supporting the work or the Mission to Seafarers, 717 Flinders Street, Docklands.