Thanks to the Coal and Allied’s Aboriginal Community Development Fund Newcastle Artist Saretta Fielding won $4000 when she took out the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander section at this year’s Singleton Art Prize.
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The category was introduced last year and her artwork titled ‘Koyiyoong Campsite’ caught the eye of judge Terry Jarvis.
He described her work as “a very mature painting involving a variety of textures, shapes, colours and movement that tell a story.”
“It has a unique presence. That draws you to look to understand and discover the storyline. It makes a magnificent statement of purpose, history, future and present. Congratulations on a great story,” he said.
Winning artist Saretta said it is an awesome privilege to win the category prize for her artwork and wishes to pass a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Coal & Allied.
“My entry ‘Koyiyoong Campsite’ is a vibrant artwork that depicts the multiple journeys made across our great country by Aboriginal people and the known campsites in this country’s multi-landscaped tapestry,” she said.
“I also recently won the Ray Ban Indigenous Special Edition Wayfarers Competition. With recognition at events like the Ray Ban competition and the Singleton Art Prize, it helps me believe that I can take my art from being just a hobby to a career.”
In the next six months I hope to be a full-time artist, she said.
“We were extremely pleased to see the range and high standard of work entered again this year, and we thank and congratulate all the participating artists. Coal and Allied hopes with the larger prize money, entries will only grow in numbers as the new category matures,” Aboriginal relations specialist and Coal & Allied Aboriginal Community Development Fund executive officer, Cate Sims said.
“We were proud to introduce the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art category last year through the Coal & Allied Aboriginal Community Development Fund and have stepped up our support this year by increasing the prize money available to artists.”
Ms Sims said Coal and Allied has supported the Singleton Art Prize since 1985 through donations from their Mount Thorley Warkworth and Hunter Valley Operations.
Art Prize Coordinator David Gausden said he is thrilled that the prize money in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander section doubled to $4000 with the support of the Coal and Allied Aboriginal Community Development Fund.
“The Art Prize would not happen without Coal and Allied. Its support means we are able to award artists more attractive prize money and engage in a lot more advertising which in turn attracts more entries and exposure,” he said.
“The hundreds of entries this year from many states of Australia and as far away as Western Australia shows the growing popularity and prestige surrounding the Singleton Art Prize. Coal and Allied’s year on year support helps us continue to encourage a local appreciation of arts with a strong focus on youth and cross cultural awareness.”
The total prize pool for the event was $22 000 and 750 unique artworks were entered in the competition from all over the country.