Ten years of maritime art

This month marks the 10th anniversary of the ANL Maritime Art Prize and Exhibition at The Mission to Seafarers building in Docklands.

The Mission to Seafarers Victoria (MtSV) introduced the award in 2002 and it has since become recognised as Australia’s leading maritime art award.

Artists who enter work in the exhibition are asked to respond to the theme “the relationship between humanity and the sea”.

MtSV CEO Andrea Fleming said many people had enjoyed and contributed to the exhibition.

“Maritime art is now perhaps a niche genre compared to the 17th-19th century and is well worthy of celebration, as is seen in this year’s entries,” Ms Fleming said.

Some 85 artists will be vying for the $15,000 first prize at the exhibition this month.

Other prizes include the $5000 Best in Traditional Maritime Art Award, the $5000 Emerging Artist Award and the $2000 People’s Choice Award.

All works exhibited are for sale and contribute a 33 per cent commission towards supporting seafarers’ welfare services in Victoria.

Since 2002, the exhibition has raised about $180,000 towards the work of the mission.

The ANL Maritime Art Prize and Exhibition is being held at the Mission to Seafarers building, at 717 Flinders St, until October 31.

The exhibition will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, between midday and 7pm.  Entry is by gold coin donation.