More than 80 artists to be showcased at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery as finalists in ‘The Percivals’ art prize

More than 80 talented artists are one step closer to winning a Percival prize, after being selected to be displayed as a finalist at the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.

Michael Lindeman won the 2022 portrait prize. Picture: Mark Pokorny, courtesy of Sullivan + Strumpf.

A group of more than 80 artists, from a selection of over 400 entrants, are one step closer to winning a Percival prize for 2024.
The Townsville-based art competition, which began in 2007, has three major prizes up for grabs including the Portrait Painting Prize, the Photographic Portrait Prize, and the Animal Portrait Prize, as well as two people’s choice awards.
2022 Percival Portrait Painting Prize winner Michael Lindeman said he knows how it feels to be one of hundreds of entrants into the prize.

‘I...’ by Michael Lindeman, which took out the 2022 Percival Portrait Painting Prize. Picture: Townsville City Galleries

“It was my third time entering - so third time lucky,” he said.

“It was gratifying to know that the portrait connected with others. Sometimes making art can be an isolated experience and we’re unsure how the work will be received.

“It was great to exhibit the portrait alongside so many excellent artists. It was also an honour to know the work is now part of an important collection.”
Mayor Troy Thompson said that the competition was a reflection of Townsville’s reputation as an arts and events capital.
“This internationally-recognised arts competition is a cornerstone of the North Queensland arts scene, providing one of the country’s most significant arts prizes,” Cr Thompson said.

“We know that residents and visitors connect over cultural experiences, whether that’s visiting our galleries, heading to a concert or enjoying a sporting event, which is why we’re constantly developing cultural experiences for Townsville.”
This year’s prize saw a large number of entrants, with over 400 submissions in total.
The overall painting prize winner will be selected by Bradley Vincent, former Head of Curatorial and Programs at HOTA Gallery on the Gold Coast. The overall photographic prize winner will be judged by internationally renowned artist Tony Albert.

The winners will be announced at the official opening on June 22 at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.
The Percivals will be on display to the public from June 22 to September 1 at the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery on the corner of Denham and Flinders Streets.

Entry is free.

Originally published as More than 80 artists to be showcased at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery as finalists in ‘The Percivals’ art prize