2021 Graduate Exhibition

1 February 2021

South Australian emerging visual artists were presented with over $65,000 in awards at the 2021 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition Opening Night event at ACE Open on Friday 29 January 2021. 

Works from twenty-two graduating artists from Flinders University and the University of South Australia are currently on display at South Australia’s flagship contemporary gallery in an exhibition that brings the next generation of creative talent under one roof from Friday 29 January until Saturday 13 February.

We were honoured to welcome Rhana Devenport ONZM, Director, Art Gallery of SA, who formally opened the exhibition and offered words of support and encouragement to the exhibiting artists.

A total of 15 awards were presented, providing emerging creatives with funds to advance their practice, interstate and local exhibiting opportunities and mentorship and advisory services from established arts leaders. Two new awards were added to the list in 2021, the McHugh Award (valued at $3,000) and the Hill Smith Art Advisory Award (valued at $5,000).

Tricia Ross (University of South Australia PhD candidate) received The University of South Australia / Helpmann Academy Postgraduate Award ($10,000 cash). The award recognises the achievements of a Masters or PhD candidate.

Meng Zhang (University of South Australia graduate) received The Undergraduate Award for Excellence supported by Roger and Helen Salkeld ($7,500 cash). This is the top undergraduate award, recognising the winner as an artist with a promising future.

Jessica Stephens (University of South Australia graduate) received The City of Adelaide Award ($7,500 cash). This award is an acquisitive award that will enable the work of an emerging artist to be showcased through the City of Adelaide’s Contemporary Acquisitions Collection.

Stephanie Doddridge (University of South Australia graduate) received The Hill Smith Art Advisory Award (valued at $7,000). For an artist working in 3D whose work is inspired by the craft tradition, utilising ceramic, metal, glass, wood or fibre. The award includes the opportunity to present a three-week exhibition (on-line and by appointment to clients) with Hill Smith Art Advisory and is new in 2021. The exhibition includes mentorship, marketing & promotion assistance and install/de-install assistance.

Ellis Moseley (Flinders University graduate) received The Linden New Art Award (valued at $6,620, including $500 cash award). The recipient of this award will be provided with a 3-week exhibition at Linden New Art in Melbourne, through its Linden Projects Space program. The exhibition includes mentorship, marketing and promotion assistance, and install/de-install assistance.

Isobel Davies (Flinders University graduate) received The Bendigo & Adelaide Bank Award ($5,000 cash). This award will recognise an emerging female artist.

Amber Cronin (University of South Australia graduate) received The City Rural Insurance / Helpmann Travel Award ($5,000 cash). This award provides the recipient the opportunity to travel, informing their practice with new ideas and experiences.

Alicia Butt (Flinders University graduate) received The Lang / McKee Award ($5,000 cash). This award recognises artistic excellence and talent.

Stephanie Doddridge (University of South Australia graduate) received The Jaquillard Award ($3,000 cash). This award is to be used for the costs associated with presenting an exhibition.

Ashley Bartsch (University of South Australia graduate) received The McHugh Award ($3,000 cash). New in 2021, this award recognises artistic excellence and talent.

Martha Dimitriou (University of South Australia graduate) received The JamFactory Award (valued at $2,500, including a $500 cash award). Presented to an artist working in ceramics, glass or jewellery, the award includes a mentorship with a relevant senior creative staff from JamFactory and an opportunity to have work on consignment in JamFactory’s retail store for 12 months.

Ellis Moseley (Flinders University graduate) received The Peter Walker / Helpmann Advancement Award ($1,000 cash). This award recognises artistic excellence and talent.

Maiko Pettman (Flinders University graduate) was presented with The Royal South Australian Society of the Arts & Friends Award ($1,000 cash). This award recognises artistic excellence and talent.

Jessa Kloeden (Flinders University graduate) was presented with The SALA Award (valued at $1,000 including a $530 cash award). Provides premium registration for the 2021 SALA Festival. Awarded to an artist who will benefit from exhibiting their work at SALA.

Asha Southcombe (University of South Australia graduate) received The David Hayden Professional Development Award ($750 cash). Awarded for the purpose of purchasing materials.

Taylor Parham (University of South Australia Masters Candidate) and Martha Dimitriou (University of South Australia Honours graduate) are the joint winners of The Helpmann Academy People’s Choice Award and will share in the $500 cash award. This award was voted on by the public throughout the duration of the exhibition.

The Awards judging panel included Rhana Devenport ONZAM, Director, Art Gallery of South Australia, Sam Hill-Smith, Director, Hill Smith Art Advisory and Hugo Michell, Director, Hugo Michell Gallery.

The Helpmann Academy acknowledges the incredible generosity of the 2021 Graduate Exhibition Award Partners and donors, who make these fantastic awards possible.

The 2021 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition
Friday 29 January to Saturday 13 February 2021
Monday to Friday, 11am-4pm
Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm

ACE Open
Lion Arts Centre, North Tce
Kaurna Yarta, Adelaide

Image: The 2021 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition Award winners with Jane MacFarlane (CEO, Helpmann Academy) and Rhana Devenport (Director, Art Gallery of South Australia). All photos by Russell Millard.

“This exhibition supports and acknowledges the essential contribution that creative practitioners and thinkers continue to make to human cultures and future outcomes.”
Dr Melanie Cooper

FEATURED ARTISTS
Bin Bai
Ashley Bartsch
Renee Bell
Alicia Butt
Amber Cronin
Lucille Crowder
Isobel Davies
Martha Dimitriou
Stephanie Doddridge
Chantelle Fey
Jessa Kloeden
Lok.
Rio Mignone
Ellis Moseley
Taylor Parham
Maiko Pettman
Bianca Pibworth
Tricia Ross
Melissa Shinn
Asha Southcombe
Jessica Stephens
Meng Zhang

Click here for a list of the 2021 award recipients

The Helpmann Academy gratefully
acknowledges the support of our
following Partners:

Major Event Partner
City Rural Insurance

Presenting Partner
ACE Open

Wine Partner
Grigori Family Wines

Award & Exhibition Partners
The City of Adelaide
University of South Australia
Hill Smith Art Advisory
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
The Lang Foundation
Linden New Art
JamFactory
Peter Walker Fine Art
RSASA
SALA
Signs of the Time
Black Squid Design
Ivy Entertainment 

Award Donors
Roger & Helen Salkeld
David McKee AO & Pam McKee
Diana & Philippe Jaquillard
Paul & Fatima McHugh
David Hayden

Media Partner
Solstice Media