The IMA has partnered with one of Australia’s leading prizes for emerging artists. Since its inception at Anglican Church Grammar School in 1987, The Churchie National Emerging Art Prize has sought to identify and profile new contemporary artists from across Australia. The IMA and The Churchie‘s partnership continues to support emerging artists. Finalists receive professional curatorial advice, networking and promotional opportunities, along with vital exposure on both a local and national stage. Offering a total prize pool of $25,000 the overall winner receives a non-acquisitive $15,000 cash prize donated by longstanding sponsor BSPN Architecture. This year’s exhibition has been curated by Naomi Blacklock.

This year’s finalists are Ronnie Allen (WA), Jordan Azcune (QLD), Caroline Garcia (NSW), Dennis Golding (NSW), Nadia Hernández (NSW), Joy Ivill (NSW), Nicolette Johnson (QLD), Mason Kimber (NSW), Tracey Lamb (VIC), Callum McGrath (QLD), Sarah Poulgrain (QLD), Gidon Sack (NSW), Kaspar Schmidt Mumm (SA), Jane Skeer (SA), Ben Soedradjit (NSW), Louise Tate (VIC), Shireen Taweel (NSW), Melanie Jame Wolf (VIC), and Min Wong (NSW).⁠

Judge Amy Barrett-Lennard, Director of Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, awarded the main prize to Nadia Hernández, and commendation prizes to Ben Soedradjit, Shireen Taweel, and Sarah Poulgrain  Read more here.