aaanz book/catalogue prizes 2012

PRESS RELEASE: NEW PRIZES for Indigenous Australian or New Zealand Mâori art writers and artist-writers

Two new prizes have been added to the annual awards of the Art Association of Australia & New Zealand (AAANZ). One recognises an Indigenous Australian or New Zealand Mâori art writer and the other recognises an artist-writer. Originally a single ‘Book Prize’, there are now seven AAANZ awards.

  1. Best book ($500 supported by The University of Sydney)
  2. Best anthology ($500 supported by The University of Sydney)
  3. Best large exhibition catalogue ($500 supported by The University of Melbourne)
  4. Best small exhibition catalogue ($100 supported by The University of Western Australia)
  5. Best scholarly article in AAANZ Journal ($500 supported by The University of Sydney)
  6. Best essay/catalogue/book by either an Indigenous Australian or New Zealand Mâori ($500 supported by Christchurch Art Gallery)
  7. Best artist-writer essay/catalogue/book ($500 supported by Massey University)

The AAANZ awards honour:

• Originality and rigour of scholarship

• Contribution to knowledge in the area & impact on scholarly debate in the field

• Significance of the topic to the field and to adjacent disciplines

• Significance and originality of picture research

• Quality of the design & production values of the publication

• Ability to convey complex ideas to wider audiences

Judging: Only members are eligible to enter awards. Two judges are appointed by the president for each category. Judges are drawn from different cities and from immediate past prize winners. There are no guidelines ratified by the Executive committee, so entrants can nominate their own category. The president acting with the judges will at times need to decide whether a publication is nominated in the appropriate category (eg whether entered as a big or small catalogue or as an anthology or a book). Past years have shown that flexibility in making the decisions, explained by the judging panel in writing, has been well received by members. The president liaises with the judges, soliciting a written report from them that accompany the recommendation of a prize. The judges may prepare an initial ranking list, especially required when a large number of entries are received, and award the prize to two publications; and/or to issue commendations in addition to announcing a winner. Preparation of a confidential report (to the president) and short commendations (to be published on the AAANZ website and read at the AGM), must be completed before the AGM, in order that the president can invite potential winners and their literary agents to be present.

Queries regarding the prize or confirmation of membership status may be forwarded to Office Manager Louise Mayhew: admin@aaanz.info

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: 14 May 2012 (Click here for the Entry Form)

past prizes