Since its inception at the Anglican Church Grammar School in 1987 the churchie emerging art prize, or ‘the churchie’, has sought to identify and profile rising artistic talent. Today it is known as one of Australia’s leading prizes for emerging artists.

The finalists’ exhibition, presented at the IMA since 2019, provides a survey of the compelling and diverse work being produced by early-career artists today. Finalists are selected based on the strength of their practice rather than a single piece and work closely with a guest curator on their presentation at the IMA.

The annual prize is open to emerging artists from across Australia working in any visual art medium. This year’s finalists represent a broad spread of artistic concerns and mediums spanning painting, textiles, video, drawing, installation, and more.

The finalists will have their work exhibited at the Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane 30 July–1 October 2022, with the prize announcement taking place at the gallery Friday 2 September.

Thanks to generous sponsors ‘the churchie’ offers a prize pool of $25,000. The Major Prize Winner will receive a non-acquisitive $15,000 cash prize donated by long-standing sponsor BSPN Architecture, selected by guest judge Sebastian Goldspink.

The 2022 finalists’ exhibition will be curated by Elena Dias-Jayasinha, an emerging Sri Lankan-Australian curator and art historian based in Brisbane. Her role as curator is generously supported by Armitstead ART Consulting.

Other prizes include a $5,000 Special Commendation prize sponsored by Fardoulys Constructions, and two Commendation prizes of $1,000 sponsored by Madison Cleaning Services. A People’s Choice Award of $3,000, also sponsored by Madison Cleaning Services will be announced at the conclusion of the finalists’ exhibition, and one lucky voter will receive a night away thanks to Spicers Retreats.