Sorrento gallery creates $125,000 art prize to support creatives and boost tourism
The winner of Australia’s most lucrative art prize is about to be crowned in Sorrento, thanks to the vision of a local gallery.
South East
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A bold initiative to support Australian artists and boost cultural tourism on the Mornington Peninsula is being launched by a Sorrento gallery.
The $125,000 Sorrento Art Prize (SAP), the most lucrative in Australia, will be awarded at a free public event on Saturday afternoon.
About 1200 entries have been whittled down to 60 finalists and the works will be exhibited at & Gallery Australia on Morce Ave, Sorrento.
& Gallery co-founder Julie Collins said the prize did not have a theme but was designed to give artists a chance to focus on their work.
“As artists ourselves, we wanted to create something truly life-changing – without strings attached,” Ms Collins said.
“Whether it’s a deposit for a home or studio, paying off a mortgage, funding travel and research, or simply stepping away from non-art jobs for a year, this prize is about giving artists the freedom to focus on their practice.
“We didn’t want them to write proposals or follow a theme — we just wanted to see their best work.”
The prize is being judged by respected art historian and critic Sasha Grishin.
“Having someone of Sasha’s calibre as our judge is an extraordinary honour,” Ms Collins said. “It affirms the national significance of the prize, while grounding it in the unique character of Sorrento.”
The Sorrento Art Prize is being launched as creatives across the Mornington Peninsula rage against the local council’s decision to cut arts funding from its 2025-26 budget.
Mornington Peninsula Shire recently voted to slash $480,000 in grants and subsidies to artists.
Funding for events and festivals will continue.
& Gallery did not receive any council funding for the SAP or the exhibition.
The gallery was founded by partners in life and art Julie Collins and Derek John.
The couple has been creating sculpture for over 35 years exhibiting in Australia and internationally.
Ms Collins said & Gallery was created with a vision to “champion compelling, contemporary voices” and a focus on “bold perspectives and boundary-pushing works”.
The 60 works from the SAP finalists will be on public display at & Gallery from June 28 until August 31st.
The public will be invited to vote for the $5000 People’s Choice award to be announced at the end of the exhibition.