The long run of high-profile industry professionals associated with the churchie national emerging art prize continues with Lisa Havilah, director of Carriageworks, Sydney announced as the 2018 judge.

Under her leadership, since 2011 Carriageworks has experienced extraordinary audience, artistic and commercial growth, resulting in it becoming the fastest growing cultural precinct in Australia. Previously, she was Director of Campbelltown Arts Centre, where she pioneered an internationally renowned contemporary arts program that brought together culturally and socially diverse communities. From 1998 to 2004 Havilah was Assistant Director of Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre during which time visitor numbers to the centre increased from 30,000 to 190,000 per year.

Havilah ensures that Carriageworks recognises and supports unknown and emerging practitioners – her extensive knowledge in this area will be of immense value to the 2018 finalists. Katherine Dionysius, Curatorial Assistant QUT Art Museum, comments “We’re thrilled to have Lisa on board as the judge this year. As the director of Carriageworks, she heads one of the nation’s largest multi-arts centres, known for its commitment to ambitious contemporary projects. It’s an exceptional opportunity for the next generation of artists to have their work seen by one of Australia’s leading contemporary art figures.”

The pre-selection judging will take place early June with the panel assessing hundreds of submissions, choosing the best emerging artists to exhibit at QUT Art Museum from 8 September to 4 November. The awards major prize money of $15,000 has been generously donated by long-time sponsors Brand + Slater Architects. The winners will be announced at the Official Opening + Prize Announcement on Friday 7 September from 6 to 8 pm.

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Entries are now open until 30 May.
Image: Lisa Havilah, Australian 2017. Photograph by Renee Nowytarger