Published: 26 June 2021

As the Bas takes a look back at winners past in a retrospective exhibition, the Basil Sellers Art Prize is celebrating a bright future.

The Basil Sellers Art Prize Retrospective, open now at the Bas, showcases all major winners of the prestigious prize, as well as a selection of People’s Choice and Eurobodalla Award winners.

It’s an opportune time to reminisce, as the prize is looking forward to going national in 2022 with an increased major prize of $25,000 thanks to Mr Basil Sellers AM.

A businessman, philanthropist and art collector, Mr Sellers instigated the award back in 2004 to support Eurobodalla artists. It then expanded to the region and in 2018 went state-wide, with the addition of a $5,000 Eurobodalla Prize.

Council’s creative arts coordinator Indi Carmichael is excited about the latest evolution of the prize, which will continue to champion 2D artworks in traditional mediums.

“It is a natural progression to take the prize Australia-wide,” Ms Carmichael said.

“This prize is about celebrating artistic excellence and creative practice, both locally and now across the country.

“Entries doubled when the prize went state-wide in 2020. Taking it national means more opportunities for artists and more audience reach.

“The Eurobodalla Prize, provided by Eurobodalla Shire Council, will continue to support local artists, ensuring their important place within the prize is safeguarded, while showcasing our local talent on a national stage.”

Ms Carmichael said it would not be possible without the support of Mr Sellers.

“Mr Sellers’ continued support for both the Basil Sellers and Little Sellers art prizes, as well as his significant donation for our exhibition centre bearing his name, has meant so much to the arts in Eurobodalla,” she said.

The Basil Sellers Art Prize Retrospective exhibition was officially opened on Friday 25 June at the Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre, at the corner of Vulcan and Campbell Streets, Moruya.

Featured artists will talk about the ideas and themes explored in the exhibition, and their art practices more broadly, at a panel discussion on Saturday 26 June, 11am-12pm.

The exhibition continues at the Bas Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, until Sunday 8 August.

For more information visit www.thebas.com.au

Entries for the Basil Sellers Art Prize 2022 will open in May next year.

---

Don’t miss out on Council news and events, subscribe to our monthly email newsletter.