Girra: Fraser Coast National Art Prize

Girra: Fraser Coast National Art Prize draws its name from the Butchulla word for sand, a vital component of the region’s landscape. As a title, Girra is both emblematic of the Fraser Coast region and a conceptual provocation that encourages artists to consider how their practice relates to the natural environment.

Girra, or sand, forms our saltwater coasts, freshwater riverbeds, and dry desert interior, shaped over millennia by the tides and winds. Sand forms the foundation of our cities, mined and rendered into concrete or melted into glass. A ubiquitous presence in the Australian landscape, sand reveals the sensitive, cyclical, and reciprocal relationship between people and place.

Artists should address the relationship between people, place and the environment in their submission. Girra/sand has been used as a provocation in the naming of the prize, however the artwork does not need to reference sand specifically.

All Australian citizens and residents over the age of 18 at the time of submission. Employees of Fraser Coast Regional Council are not eligible to enter the Prize. Unpaid FCRC volunteers are eligible. 

Artwork can be any visual art medium including, but not limited to, painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, installation, performance, and video. A submission can consist of a single piece or a multi-piece artwork which must be considered a single artwork. There is no size limit for work submitted. The value of the artwork must not exceed $25,000. The submitted artwork must not have previously been a finalist in another art prize.

Yes, there is a $25 entry fee.

No. Entries are limited to one submission per artist. An artist may submit as an individual and collective if applicable. 

No. Shortlisted finalists will be exhibited at the gallery and judged in-situ.

In the interests of strengthening ongoing support for existing long-standing local art prizes run by the Hervey Bay Art Society and the Maryborough Art Society, Girra will maintain a Major Prize and People’s Choice prize only. 

Successful entries will be notified by 19 May 2025, and logistical details about delivery of works will be advised by the gallery.

If you win the Major Prize you will be awarded $25,000 and your work will become part of the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery Collection. No further fee shall be paid and the work must be immediately available. If you win the People’s Choice prize you will be awarded $2,000 and your work will be returned to you at the conclusion of the exhibition.

No, HBRG does not take commercial interest in the sale of artworks, however any sale enquiries will be directed to the artist or representing gallery.

Send us an email at regionalgallery@frasercoast.qld.gov.au