Sebastian Goldspink will be the guest curator for the 2013 John Fries Memorial Prize for emerging visual artists, as it enters its fourth year.
A well-known professional in the Sydney arts scene, Sebastian will be bringing his diverse experience and passion for innovative ideas to this leading contemporary art prize.
Sebastian has worked across some of Sydney’s most popular arts events and venues including Art Month Sydney, Alaska Projects, Vivid and The Museum of Contemporary Art developing creative and original ways for audiences to connect with contemporary art.
Sebastian said he was looking forward to taking on the role of guest curator in the fourth year of the John Fries Memorial Prize and introducing the best in emerging artists.
“The John Fries Memorial Prize is discovering and celebrating some of Australia and New Zealand’s most dynamic and exciting emerging visual artists,” Sebastian said.
“I’m delighted to be invited to curate the prize in 2013 and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the artists who are setting the scene for tomorrow’s contemporary art landscape.”
Since the John Fries Memorial Prize was launched in 2010, it has grown to become a significant event in Sydney’s cultural and contemporary art calendar.
The prize showcases some of the most engaging and experimental artwork from the emerging end of the contemporary art scene.
Sebastian said the 2012 finalists had been an eclectic and thought-provoking group and he was excited to see which art works will make it to the final exhibition in 2013.
“One of the great things about this prize is it not only provides exposure for artists just starting out in their careers – it’s the chance to be surprised, inspired or challenged by fresh new works.”
The 2012 prize was won by Jacob Leary for his work Technological Causality which was showcased along with 19 other finalists at a three week exhibition at Sydney’s Gaffa Galleries.
Entries for the 2013 John Fries Memorial Prize will open in March this year. The annual non acquisitive award of $10,000 is open to all artists in Australia and New Zealand.
The prize has been donated by the Fries family in memory of former Viscopy director and honorary treasurer, John Fries and is produced by Copyright Agency|Viscopy.
