Come to ‘‘sea’’ relationship

The ANL Arts Awards and Exhibition is on again, with a collection of 88 inspiring works on display at the Mission to Seafarers in Flinders St, Docklands until October 26.

This year, some 330 entries were received, with winners to be announced at the opening on October 5. The prestigious award explores and celebrates the relationship between humanity and the sea.

The maritime awards, sponsored by shipping company ANL, has since 2002 awarded more than $180,000 in prize money.

It is also the major fund-raising activity for Mission to Seafarers Victoria, to date raising more than $400,000 toward the provision of seafarers’ welfare services in Victoria.

Mission to Seafarers Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1857 to provide practical, social and spiritual welfare services to visiting merchant seafarers.

Mission chief manager Sue Dight said: “The funds raised through the ANL Maritime Prize are essential to help us ensure that we can deliver core services, such as chaplaincy, on-shore transport and a safe place of retreat.”

“All of the art on display is also available for purchase by the public on a first-in basis,” Ms Dight said. “This is a unique opportunity to purchase works by established and emerging artists, from all around Australia.”

The exhibition is open daily, 10am to 10pm, October 5 – 26. Bookings are not required.