Local artists are taking to a new kind of canvas, with the winners of this year’s Artforce Brisbane Awards announced on Tuesday 28 February.
Now in its 24th year, the 2023 participant works were showcased at City Hall, highlighting the 79 traffic signal boxes and eight Energex pad-mount transformers across the suburbs that have been transformed into works of art.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner congratulated the winners on their commitment to a creating an even more beautiful Brisbane.
“These awards celebrate 76 individuals, five schools and 12 organisations, who have helped shape the creativity, character, and unique identity of Brisbane’s neighbourhoods,” Cr Schrinner said.
“For more than 20 years, residents have been injecting life and colour into our suburbs by transforming mundane traffic signal boxes and Energex pad-mount transformers into colourful artworks, reflecting the charm and character of their neighbourhoods.
This year I was pleased to present the Lord Mayor’s Award to Constance Chang for her artwork ‘Once upon a time’, showcasing fascinating highlights of Oxley’s history.”
Winners were announced across nine categories and shared in a prize pool of $4600, including Best Overall Winner, which went to Rebecca Mann for her celebration of Stone’s Corner’s distinct architecture, streetscape, and vibe in ‘Meet you at Stones’.
This year’s People’s Choice Award went to artist Kimberly Engwicht for ‘Cosmic Girl’, winning with 230 votes out of the 2860 votes in total.
Cr Schrinner said more than 2300 traffic signal boxes and 72 Energex pad-mount transformers had been painted by over 5000 artists since the program began in 1999.
“The great thing about Artforce Brisbane is that it’s open to all Brisbane residents, no matter their age or artistic background,and is an opportunity for emerging artists to develop their skills through practical experience in the community,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Artforce has the power to provide exposure and networking opportunities to local artists within the arts community as well creating more to see and do in our spectacular city.”
For more information about the Artforce Brisbane program or to view the latest and previous Artforce Brisbane Award winners, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and www.artforcebrisbane.com.au
