19 February 2024
Emerging visual artists from South Australia received awards and opportunities totalling more than $82,000 during the opening night of the 2024 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition. The event took place at the South Australian School of Arts (SASA) Gallery, situated in Kaurna Yarta/Adelaide’s West End on Thursday 15 February.
Works from 22 graduating artists from Flinders University and the University of South Australia are currently on display at the SASA Gallery, from 16 February until 22 March 2024.
A total of 17 awards valued at over $82,000 were presented on the opening night of the exhibition. Notably, a major new award, The Fetzer Award, valued at $7,500, was introduced, alongside new awards sponsored by People’s Choice Credit Union and Guildhouse.
Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition Award Winners 2024
The Helpmann Academy / University of South Australia Postgraduate Award was awarded to PhD Research Candidate, Max Callaghan, who receives a $10,000 cash prize. This award recognises the achievements of a Masters or PhD candidate.
The Helpmann Major Exhibition Award supported by IAS Fine Art Logistics and Linden New Art is valued at $10,000 and was awarded to Katey Smoker, a University of South Australia graduate. Katey will receive a three-week exhibition at Linden New Art valued at $4,500 plus up to $3,000 in IAS Fine Art Logistics services.
Katey also received the Helpmann Academy / ACE Studio Program Award valued at $15,000. The award includes a 12-month studio residency plus extensive professional development including, studio visits with Australian and international curators, participation in public programs, support from ACE staff and more. Katey will produce new work and receive a commission fee for ACE’s annual studio artist exhibition.
New in 2024, we are thrilled to introduce The Fetzer Award for Excellence is valued at $7,500. This major cash prize was awarded to Lauren Downton, a University of South Australia graduate. Lauren also received the City Rural Insurance Development Award, valued at $5,000. This award provides the recipient with the opportunity to expand their creative practice.
Jess Harrison, a University of South Australia graduate was the recipient of the Hill Smith Art Advisory Award (valued at $5,000). For an artist working in the traditions of painting, drawing or print.
Katherine Shierlaw, a University of South Australia graduate was the recipient of the Lang Family Foundation / McKee Award, valued at $5,000.
Thao Le, a University of South Australia graduate was the recipient of the City of Adelaide Award, valued at $5,000. Thao’s work will be acquired as part of the City of Adelaide’s art collection.
Bryan May, a University of South Australia graduate was the recipient of the Square Holes Award ($5,000 cash). Bryan’s work will become part of the Square Holes art collection.
Updated and expanded in 2024, the JamFactory Ceramics Award in collaboration with The Australian Ceramics Association (TACA) is valued at $3,500. This award was presented to emerging ceramicist, Tiarnie Edwards, a graduate of the University of South Australia. The award includes a two-month residency at JamFactory and mentoring, plus the opportunity to have work on consignment in JamFactory’s retail store for 12 months. The award recipient will also receive a 12-month TACA membership and a subscription to The Journal of Australian Ceramics (JAC).
Cameron Longshaw, a University of South Australia graduate received the Jaquillard Exhibition Award ($3,000 cash). This award is to be used for the costs associated with presenting an exhibition.
Madeleen Van Tonder, a Flinders University graduate received the McHugh Award ($3,000 cash).
Updated in 2024 the Sala Award includes a premium registration for the 2024 SALA Festival and $530 cash. This was awarded to Tam Timko, University of South Australia graduate.
The David Hayden Professional Development Award ($1,000 cash) was awarded to HaiZzy, a Flinders University graduate. This award supports the purchase of materials.
New in 2024, we are delighted to introduce the People’s Choice Credit Union Innovation Award valued at $1,000. This award is presented to an artist whose work exhibits an innovative approach. This award was presented to Charlie Young, a Flinders University graduate.
Also new in 2024, is the Guildhouse Award valued at $1,000. This award includes a 12-month Guildhouse Accredited membership, 12-month insurance coverage and $600. This award was presented to Adrian Mitton, a Flinders University graduate.
The Awards judging panel included Alison Kubler, Principle, Renshaw & Kubler and Editor in Chief, VAULT; Leigh Robb, Curator Contemporary Art, Art Gallery of South Australia and Vincent Alessi, CEO + Director, Linden New Art.
The 2024 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition is on at SASA Gallery, University of South Australia, UniSA Kaurna Building, City West, Fenn Place, Adelaide.
The Exhibition is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm, from Friday 16 February to Friday 22 March.
Entry is free.
The Helpmann Academy acknowledges the support of our presenting partner, the University of South Australia and our Wine Partner, Grigori Family Reserve Wines.
Image: The exhibiting artists from the Graduate Exhibition 2024 by Thomas McCammon