EAA 2022

fortyfivedownstairs presents the eighth annual Emerging Artist Award 2022.

It is a pleasure to announce that fortyfivedownstairs will once again be filled with the work of emerging artists for a multi-disciplinary exhibition that explores our engagement with the natural and built environment, interrogates familial relationships through sensory experiences, and challenges our very sense of identity.

Guest judge Anouska Phizacklea (BA (hons), MA, MCom, CPA, GAICD) is Director of Monash Gallery of Art (MGA) will award the artists whose submissions most closely align with the award criteria of originality, technical proficiency, and creative vision. Phizacklea has expertise across the visual, decorative and literary arts. She has held senior management positions at leading Victorian public institutions, Heide Museum of Modern Art and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), and worked for many years in art research and valuations in galleries and auction houses in Melbourne and London.

A $3000 prize pool was awarded to the two submissions that best aligned with the award criteria – In My Mind (the voices that tear me apart) by Madeleine Joy Dawes and Pixel by Rhys Cousins.

For the first time, a new third prize for Highest Commendation was awarded to we are made to be held by Jae O’Donnell, who will be receiving a professional development opportunity courtesy of the MGA.

As well, the People’s Choice Award gives the audience a chance to have their say. For those who can’t visit in person, an online catalogue and our social media channels will be available with information and images.

All our prizes are made possible by our generous sponsors.

The Emerging Artist Award finalists for 2022 are: Alison Ford, Amina Briggs, Angie Hiscock, Ashton Wastney, CJ Starc, Derrick Duan, Elena Larkin, Em Jensen, Erica Elgin, Grae Burnished, Ian Scott, Jae O’Donnell, Jake Taylor, Jean Baulch, Jess Coldrey, Lala Zarei, Latifa Elmrini, Lauren Joffe, Lilyan Stark, Lucy Ray, Madeleine Joy Dawes, Monika Cvitanovic Zaper, Nathalia Suizu, Olivia McCarten, Rhys Cousins, Ruth Stanton, Ryan Pola, Ryley Clarke and Victoria McGinness.

The Emerging Artist Award at fortyfivedownstairs is a proven catalyst for ongoing recognition and professional development and allows audiences the privilege of accessing early-career works by exciting emerging artists.

The Emerging Artist Award 2022 is proudly supported by the Future Leaders, MAGMA Art Projects, The Cuming Bequest and Wild Fire Wines.