The guest on The Fine Line on Tuesday 6 May was Ruth Elvin, President of the Alice Springs Art Foundation.
Ruth took listeners on a fascinating journey as she recounted the history of and her own personal involvement as President with the Alice Springs Art Foundation. From its early beginnings in 1970 when led by local businessman Bernie Kilgariff and a brave group of volunteers, all who were determined to put Alice Springs on the map by holding a national art competition, the Alice Prize through the newly formed Alice Springs Art Foundation, was born.
Ruth related how in the early years, the Alice Prize was held in a corrugated iron shed, a far cry from its now home at the Araluen Arts Centre. Over the years a collection of significant national contemporary art has been acquired through the Alice Prize from winners and other exhibited works. The Alice Prize Collection is now held at the Araluen Art Centre and is regularly used for exhibitions in its art galleries.
Ruth spoke of how in this year’s 38th Alice Prize, there had been over 400 entries from across Australia, with 65 entries being chosen by a panel of experts for the final cut. The judge for this year’s $25,000 Prize is Dr Michael Brand, Director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The exhibition will showcase this eclectic mix of contemporary art practice from emerging and established artists, representing a range of cultures and disciplines. Adding to this diversity, is the important point that as the Alice Prize is not exclusive to any medium, this promises to be a dynamic and engaging exhibition.
The Alice Prize is presented by the Alice Springs Art Foundation, opening at the Araluen Art Centre on the 9 May until the 9 June.
Jen Standish-White talks with Ruth Elvin, President of the Alice Springs Art Foundation.
Broadcast: Tuesday 6 May 2014 at 12 noon on 8CCC Community Radio 102.1FM
Producer: Jen Standish-White