News

Australia’s first equine art prize attracts international entries

21st Jun 2011

Entries have come in from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Europe and America for Australia’s first art prize devoted to the thoroughbred form – the Inglis Equine Art Prize.

Entries close on 4 July, and prize organiser Mike Coward says the quality of work submitted so far proves the age-old discipline of equine art is in safe hands.

“Representation of thoroughbred horses through paintings began as a necessity in pre-photographic days,” Coward says. “Its relevance remains just as strong in the modern day for its ability to capture the power and the personality of its subject.”

The total prize pool is more than $18,000, with a major $15,000 cash prize from Inglis, and sponsored prizes.

Arthur Inglis, Deputy Chairman of Inglis and fifth generation of Australia’s most esteemed thoroughbred family, has created the prize with Coward from Australian Art Sales to “protect and promote” this classic art form.

The theme for the inaugural Inglis Equine Art Prize is “Life at the Horse Stud.”

“Each year, we will have a different theme so that after several years, we’ll have a visual narrative of the different aspects of the thoroughbred industry,” Inglis says.

Horses depicted must be registered thoroughbreds so as to maintain the integrity of the prize and, according to Inglis “cement them as historical pieces.”

The judges for the inaugural Inglis Equine Art Prize are Ross Harvey, one of the world’s foremost exponents of Still Life painting; Alan Bell, Chairman of Racing NSW; and Arthur Inglis.

The winner will be announced at Inglis Newmarket Stables in Randwick on 11 August, followed by a touring exhibition (Sydney, Melbourne and Scone) of the finalists that will incorporate a People’s Choice Award. All paintings will be available for sale.

Sydney: 12-14 August, 10am–5pm, Inglis Newmarket Stables, 1 Young Street, Randwick.

Melbourne: 18-19 August, 10am–5pm, Oaklands Main Dining Room, 285 Oaklands Road, Oaklands Junction.

Melbourne: Saturday 20 August on display at Silks, William Crockett Stakes and Mitchell McKenzie Stakes Race Day at Moonee Valley Racing Club.

Scone: 26-28 August, 10am–5pm, Scone Arts & Crafts Centre, 63 Kingdon Street, Scone.

Further details and entry forms for the Inglis Equine Art Prize are available HERE, or by contacting Mike Coward on 0412 638 210, or email [michaelc7@optusnet.com.au](mailto: michaelc7@optusnet.com.au).

This release is prepared by Fiona Sainty from Farm Thirteen. For further information and to arrange an interview please contact Fiona on 0419 489 044, or fiona@farm13.com.au.

THE 2011 INGLIS EQUINE ART PRIZE IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY ANTLER – CHAMPAGNE BOLINGER – CROWN METROPOL

Image depicted above 'Volksraad' by Barbara Lewis, New Zealand.