by Yarta PurtliAR22/20932
MEDIA RELEASE
2022 Malka Aboriginal Art Prize Opens
at Yarta Purtli Art Gallery
The Yarta Purtli Art Gallery in Port Augusta opened the 2022 Malka Art Prize on Thursday 9th June.
Now in its thirteenth year, the Aboriginal Art Prize was the brainchild of the late Marvin McKenzie Senior, who’s vision was to hold an Aboriginal art show so artists would have a space to showcase works.
‘Malka’ is a word used by several Aboriginal language groups within the Port Augusta region, meaning mark or painting.
“This year there were 49 entries from First nations artists from across the region. Children and Elders have also submitted entries. We were particularly impressed with the quality and uniqueness of the works submitted.” Marika Davies, Arts Officer at Port Augusta City Council stated.
Bungala Solar Farm partnered with Port Augusta City Council to support the 2022 Malka Aboriginal Art Prize, with $20,000 on offer for the overall winner.
Sunny Rutherford, Sustainability Manager for Enel Green Power, representing Bungala Solar Farm stated “We are delighted to support emerging or established First Nations artists from across the local region and we are humbled to be part of an important exhibition showcase”.
Photo: Yarta Purtli Art Gallery – Arts Officer and Curator, Marika Davies
AR22/20932
CEO of Port Augusta City Council John Banks stated “The Malka Aboriginal Art Prize is a stepping-stone for Aboriginal artists to become discovered and showcased. Previous winners have gone on to feature at art exhibitions across Australia, the exhibition is also a drawcard for tourists to the region.”
The 2022 Malka Aboriginal Art Exhibition can be viewed at the Yarta Purtli Art Gallery, 6 Beauchamp Lane, Port Augusta from the 9th June until 23rd July 2022.
There will be a public auction of all works on Thursday 23rd June at the Yarta Purtli Art Gallery. To register as a bidder visit: https://www.portaugustaevents.com.au/bidder-registration-form.html and fill in the online form. Once registered you will be sent further information about the auction.
Voting for the 2022 Malka Aboriginal Art Prize “People’s Choice” Award will be open until Saturday 25th June. The winner will be announced at Nunga Screen at the Lea Memorial Theatre on Thursday July 7th. You can view all artworks and vote for the “Peoples Choice” Award in person at the Yarta Purtli Art Gallery or online : https://www.portaugustaevents.com.au/malka-2022/. View the online catalogue, and vote with your favourite catalogue number.
For further information please contact Councils Media and Communications Officer 8641 9100.
JOHN BANKS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
10/06/2022
