How is the Hornsby Art Prize judged?

The Hornsby Art Prize is subject to a three part adjudication process, to encourage rigor and objectivity in decision-making.

A panel of three visual arts professionals are called together to adjudicate the prize. The panel will comprise of a minimum of two practicing artists, expert in different mediums and one arts administrator, academic or gallerist.

At the close of the entry period, the Judges are sent a list of participating artists. The Judges are asked to review the list and highlight any potential Conflicts of Interest as per the Hornsby Art Prize Probity Plan. Any Conflict of Interest will be recorded and managed in accordance with the Hornsby Art Prize Probity Plan to ensure the prudent management of the Hornsby Art Prize; maintaining accountability, transparency and confidentiality.

Next, the Judges are invited to Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre to review the images of the artworks submitted for entry and select the finalists for exhibition. Only works that have been chosen unanimously or with a majority decision are included in the finalists’ exhibition.

Once the exhibition has been hung, the Judges are invited to return and review the finalists’ art works hung in situ within Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre and Hornsby Central Library. They view the exhibition separately and then come together to discuss the prize winners. The prizes are awarded based on the unanimous or majority decision of the panel of Judges.

Given the nature of the prize and number of entries received, it is impossible for Judges to provide individual artists with feedback.

Following adjudication, Judge’s summarised comments are included on the labels that accompany the winning works following the award ceremony, so that viewers can understand why the work was awarded a prize.

Please note that the Hornsby Art Prize Project Team are the organisers and presenters of the Hornsby Art Prize Finalists Exhibition. As outlined above, entrant’s artworks are judged by an independent panel of adjudicators. The Hornsby Art Prize Project Team reserves the right to amend the prize pool; not to award prizes or add additional prizes based upon on the Judge’s decision.