fortyfivedownstairs presents the eighth annual Emerging Artist Award 2023.

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.

fortyfivedownstairs is proud to announce the finalists for the eighth annual Emerging Artist Award:
Aida Abbasi, Alex Slattery, Angela Mezzatesta, Arthur Foulkes, Ben Davis, CJ Starc, Daria Erskine-Lily, Declan Monaghan, Drey Willows, Emily Norton, Felise Lyon, Fiona McDonald, Harrison Bishop, Holly Hunt, Izzy Faith V, Jooyun Lim, Justyne Allen, Juyeon Kim, Kat Vonic, Lala Zarei, Lea Rose, Lucas Jennings, Ming Liew, Ryan Pola and Vivian Qiu

A $3000 prize pool will be awarded to two submissions that best align with the award criteria. The prize recipients will be announced at opening night on Tuesday 12 December from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Special thanks to guest judges Heja Jung and Dr. Georgina S. Walker.

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. The Award will be announced early in the new year after the conclusion of the exhibition.

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 2023 is proudly supported by Future Leaders, Bambra Press and Cloudwine Cellars.

Image Credit: EAA 2022 Winner Madeleine Joy Dawes, In My Mind (the voices that tear me apart) (detail), fibre tipped pen on cotton paper, 76.0 x 56.0 cm.