The winners of the Gosford Art Prize have been announced for 2023, and they’re now on display at Gosford Regional Gallery, along with all 146 finalists.

From now until November 5, you can catch the exhibition which celebrates some of the best Australian artists, working in lots of different mediums from painting and ceramics to video and mosaic.

The annual prize has been a feature of the gallery’s program since the 1970s, and it’s become a significant prize on the Australian calendar over the last 50 years.

This year, the judges had a tough task, with 948 entries submitted from all over Australia. 

Of the eventual 146 finalists, 40% were artists from the Central Coast, showcasing that while the prize is open to artists from all over the country, it continues to celebrate the strength of the Central Coast art scene.

Remy Faint took out first prize with his artwork Egress, winning the prestigious title and $15,000.

The winners of the other categories were:

- Second Prize $5,000 - Sophie Lampert - Listen, the Trees are Whispering

- Aboriginal Artist Prize $2,500 - Ethan-James Kotiau - Nagaya Marda

- Gosford Ceramics Prize $2,500 - Juz Kitson - Alteration of incoming sensoria

- Highly Commended, $1,000 each: Craig Handley - the show off 2; Tia Madden - Adversaria; Mel Jhey - Thinking About My Ancestors

- Viewer’s Choice Award $500 will be announced at the exhibition’s conclusion.

Director of the Regional Gallery, Tim Braham, said the selection panel aimed to include a variety of styles, content and techniques with fierce competition amongst a range of artwork. 

While you're visiting the gallery, make sure you wander through the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese-style strolling garden. Most of the vegetation is evergreen, but the garden is particularly colourful at the moment with an array of spring flowers.

Head to the gallery this spring to admire this diverse exhibition, and stroll among the gardens – there’s something for every art lover. 

Gosford Art Prize Exhibition

When: 9.30am-4pm daily, 9 September - 5 November 2023
Where: Gosford Regional Gallery, 36 Webb St, East Gosford
Further details: entry is free; the Viewer’s Choice Award will be decided by visitors to the Gallery voting for their favourite entry.

Looking for more arts on the Central Coast? The Gosford Regional Gallery is the heart of visual arts on the Central Coast. Take a look at why the Central Coast is a work of art with a roster of must-see exhibitions and shows not to be missed this year that celebrate the work of artists across all art forms. 

Want to become a member? Becoming a Gallery member is a great way of becoming more involved with the Gallery and staying up to date with their vibrant program. You will also be actively supporting the gallery to develop stronger exhibitions and cultural events, with 100% of money raised going back into the gallery.