Small businesses are the unsung heroes of the arts, investing their time and money to further culture in the community, despite these difficult economic times.
For Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, the survival of its popular art prize, , is down to the generosity of small business sponsors. Without their support, the Gallery couldn’t offer the $35,000 prize pool necessary to attract high-calibre artists from all over Australia or stage the exhibition promoting the Coffs Coast as a destination for still life.
Acting Gallery Coordinator Lisa Knowlson acknowledged the support of sponsors as critical to the success of the event, while also celebrating the efforts of the wider team.
“This is such an amazing achievement made possible by the contribution of not just our sponsors but the whole team… Chloe (Waters, Curator) in particular I would like to acknowledge for such a great initiative; however everyone’s efforts in promotions, marketing, exhibition support and front of house customer service is what elevates this initiative to such a level of possibility!”
Both major sponsors of STILL 2021 are local businesses who recognise the arts as a worthy investment in their community, from a financial contribution by , to in-kind design expertise from .
Supporting sponsors for STILL include Moving Art who manage delivery of the artworks; family winery Andrew Peace Wines; Harbour Magazine regional arts guide; and Friends of Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery whose fundraising helps the Gallery acquire works for the collection.
According to renowned Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor OBE, art awards like STILL have a critical role in supporting creative industries.
“It is a really significant source of funds importantly but also another way for a very diverse range of artists to get their work seen,” said Ms Macgregor when judging this year’s STILL Award.
The winning sculpture, Silent Cop 2020, by Dunghutti artist Blak Douglas will be a drawcard for visitors into the future as a permanent part of the collection, along with past STILL winners.
“You have at Coffs Harbour for this year’s iteration of the prize, an exhibition of extraordinary quality…this is an award that can only grow in stature,” adds Ms Macgregor.
