Record numbers of art prize entries recently reveal changing patterns of arts participation in Australia. Image: Web3creativ, Pexels.
As the saying goes, there is not one, but many art worlds within the larger arts landscape, and it’s up to artists to find their place and their audiences within.
The Lester Prize (formerly the Black Swan Prize for Portraiture) also received record entries last year, with 936 entries received, compared to 750 entries in 2022 (a 20% increase). The Archibald Prize received 1005 entries this year, with a large proportion (46%) being first time entrants, and its Young Archie competition also attracted its highest number of entries, with more than 4000 received.
ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
