A Creative Community at Caloundra Regional Gallery
The Caloundra Regional Gallery is buzzing with local art. Melanie Rosettenstein discovers some of the latest – and local – artworks.
A thriving art scene speaks volumes about a community. It signals cultural vibrancy, creativity, and a strong local identity – where artists are not only supported and celebrated but also inspire others to express themselves through their own creative efforts. Encouraging and rewarding artists to excel in their practice, Sunshine Coast Council’s Caloundra Regional Gallery hosts a variety of local and national art prizes throughout the year, demonstrating how strong the local art scene is.
On display in April is the Local Contemporary Art Prize 2025, featuring 40 local works that celebrate the diversity of visual arts across a range of media. Now in its 11th year, this is one of the gallery’s most anticipated must-see exhibitions, showcasing the works of some of the best artists living and working on the Sunshine Coast.
Caloundra Regional Gallery Director and Curator Jo Duke says this year’s prize saw more than 200 entries, and art enthusiasts and the curious can expect to see paintings, drawings, etchings, photographs, ceramics, sculptural works, art made from upcycled materials, and so much more.
“The joy of the Local Contemporary Art Prize is that the artist can create artworks about anything,” she said.
“It could be hot topics, the reintroduction of a past genre with a modern twist, or a landscape that they cannot get out of their mind.
“The word ‘contemporary’ reflects the present moment, and it’s the artist’s interpretation of this that comes to life on the gallery walls.”
The 40 pieces will be displayed at the gallery from 11 April until 8 June, with the winning pieces announced at the exhibition launch on Thursday 10 April. The prize winners will share in $17,000 prize money, thanks to the generous support of sponsors.
On offer is a $10,000 Best in Show Acquisitive Award; $2,500 each for the winners of the 2D Excellence Award supported by Mary Henzell Investments; and 3D Excellence Award sponsored by Local Agent Caloundra. A selection committee of five people have chosen the 40 finalists for guest judge Claire Sourgnes to choose the three of the four winners.
“We were pleased to secure Claire Sourgnes, Director of Ipswich Gallery, to be our judge,” Jo said. “Claire is a highly regarded professional, both with her peers and artists, and has over 25 years’ experience working in commercial, government, and artist-run galleries in Australia and Germany across a range of positions.
“As always, we ask the audience to be a judge as well, and the Friends of the Gallery and Community Bank Bendigo People’s Choice Award of $2,000 is awarded to this recipient,” she added.
According to Jo, the People’s Choice Award allows the audience to choose who they think should be the winner, with voting open until the first of June.
“Sometimes the public agree with the judge, but in many cases, they don’t,” she stated. “Everyone has their favourite, and it’s often hard to choose only one winner.”
In addition to winning the prize money – which allows the artist the time and space to continue working – the artist is recognised for their valuable work.
“The winners will be profiled across the country and their work acquired into the growing Sunshine Coast Art Collection,” said Jo. “For an artist, this is extremely important, and of course, the money is helpful as well.”
For those who’d like to get up close and personal with the 40 finalist artworks, the exhibition launch event on 10 April is a great place to start, says Jo, but there’s lots more in store.
“There’s not only the fabulous launch event, but there will be an extensive program of workshops and talks with the artists,” she said. “Our website has the details, so book soon – they fill up quickly.”
With an exciting lineup of talented artists, thought-provoking works, and an engaging program of events, the Local Contemporary Art Prize 25 is a testament to the Sunshine Coast’s thriving creative community. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a curious observer, or simply looking to be inspired, this exhibition is not to be missed. There is also the opportunity to purchase the art on display to start building or to add to your own collection.
So, plan your visit, explore the works, engage in a workshop or artist talk and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award – because art is not just about what we see, but how it makes us feel.
LOCAL CONTEMPORARY ART PRIZE
10 April, 6-8pm: Exhibition Launch and announcement of Best in Show, 2D Excellence and 3D Excellence Award winners. Bookings essential.
11 April-8 June: Finalists Exhibition open.
People’s Choice Award voting closes 1 June and winner is announced 8 June.
The Local Student Art Prize will also be on exhibition at the same time, offering an inspiring glimpse into the creative future of the Sunshine Coast and an opportunity for students across all year levels to exhibit their artwork in a curated gallery exhibition.
For the full program, tickets to the Exhibition Launch and for artist talks and workshops, visit the website for more information.
