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Last Updated: Thursday, 24 August 2023 08:28

Published: Thursday, 24 August 2023 08:05

The award winners for the nationally recognised Contemporary Wearables ’23 Biennial Jewellery Award and Exhibition will be announced at Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery on Friday evening (August 25).

Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said Toowoomba Regional Council was pleased to continue its support for the biennial showcase of Australia’s innovative jewellery and object practice. The Award was established by the former Toowoomba City Council in 1989 with the aid of the Toowoomba Gallery Society Inc.

Mayor McDonald said the livestream from 6pm would offer a preview of the exhibition ahead of its opening on Saturday (August 26) and the announcement of the 2023 award winner by Co-Founder and Director of Radiant Pavilion, Melbourne Contemporary Jewellery and Object Biennial and judge Chloë Powell.

To view the awards ceremony, follow the link: https://youtube.com/live/Z2tVBOA9HhU?feature=share (Or check Council’s YouTube channel)

“Council is proud to support Australian artists with the prestigious Award and provides $15,000 for acquisitions to continue building one of the most cohesive surveys of contemporary jewellery and object practice in Australia,” Mayor McDonald said.

“Selected pieces in the exhibition are eligible for acquisition for the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery – Toowoomba City Collection.

“In addition to supporting the Award with acquisition funds, the Gallery presents $6000 to the Award winner, $3500 to the runner-up and $1500 for a Student award.

“This is the major Toowoomba Regional Council-funded initiative for contemporary visual arts practice in the Gallery’s 2023 program.

“I encourage everyone to support some of Australia’s finest makers by tuning in on Friday night.

“The Gallery looks forward to sharing the event with a national audience, particularly the exhibiting artists who are unable to attend the function.”

This year’s Award was juried by Christian Hall, Cassandra Lehman and Emily McCulloch Childs.

The Award is a highlight in the calendar of many of Australia’s leading contemporary jewellers and object practitioners.

The exhibition showcases the current trends of makers and celebrates the innovation and craftmanship of artists.

The exhibition pieces, which have been created by 45 artists around Australia, will be displayed at Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery from Saturday, August 26 to Sunday, November 19, 2023.

For more information, please see: Opening and Award Announcement | Contemporary Wearables ’23 Biennial Jewellery Award and Exhibition (tr.qld.gov.au)

Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery at 531 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba is open Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am to 3.30pm.

The Gallery is open on Monday September 18 and Tuesday September 19 from 10.30am to 3.30pm during the exhibition. The Gallery is closed on other Mondays and all public holidays. Entry is free.

A free Twilight Tour will be held from 5.30pm on Thursday, October 19. Bookings are essential by calling 131 872. Please RSVP by Wednesday, October 18.

Contemporary Wearables Biennial Jewellery Award and Exhibition is proudly supported by Toowoomba Regional Council.

Image: 2021 Award Winners Sophie CARNELL and Sarah RAYNER / Florilegium… traversing the poetry of plants 2020 / 42 brooches: hand carved porcelain with terra sigillata, sterling and fine silver / 26 x 375 x 8cm / Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery – Toowoomba City Collection 2387 / © Sophie Carnell and Sarah Rainer