Speaker announces Legislative Assembly art prizes
Mark Parton, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
Tuesday 3 December 2024
Mark Parton MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, recently congratulated the winners of the annual Legislative Assembly Award for emerging artists.
The prize is awarded to two students from the ANU School of Art. Mr Parton presented awards to this year’s winners at a ceremony as part of the school’s Graduating Exhibition 2024 on Friday night. This year’s winners are:
 Yvonne Poole (2024) 2D/3D Impression of Hawkesbury River Rocks (canvas, ceramics) Click to view larger image |   Helen Heslop (2024) I can't do this (textiles, metal) Click to view larger images |
"The works this year offered the opportunity to be inspired and challenged", Mr Parton said. "I was extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to attend and recognise these two artists."
"As the first time being involved in the awards and choosing two winners it was an honour to see the craftmanship and commitment of these artists."
A $500 grant is awarded to each of the winning students to give them assistance with the cost of materials associated with their artistic practice. The chosen artworks will also be displayed in the Assembly building for a year.
"It will be a joy to see these works displayed in the Assembly and I welcome the opportunity to do so. It provides a unique location to display the creativity, skill, and variety of the works." Mr Parton said.
Previous winning works have included sculptures in timber and mixed media, oil paintings, and hand beaten copper.
The award for emerging visual artists reflects the Assembly’s longstanding association with the ANU School of Art through the Legislative Assembly Art Advisory Committee, which is chaired by the Speaker.
Statement ends.
Media contact:
Elyse Heslehurst
Chief of Staff, Speaker's Office
(02) 6205 0099