Today we are thrilled to announce the winners of the LiveBetter First Nations Art Prize!
The judging panel, which included First Nations representatives from our local communities, had the difficult task of choosing three winning pieces (one for each category) from 25 incredible entries.
According to LiveBetter CEO Natalie Forsyth-Stock, the judging panel were awestruck by the quality, creativity and detail in each of the 25 artworks submitted.
“Each piece had its own story to tell, and I believe the artists did a fantastic job incorporating the theme of Relationships, Respect and Opportunities in their designs. Congratulations to everyone who participated,” said Ms Forsyth-Stock.
Fellow judge, Kylie O’Bryan, CEO of Booroongen Djugun, agreed with Ms Forsyth-Stock’s sentiment and said, “Wow! I have just started reviewing the artwork and this is tough! Everyone should be extremely proud, and I am so proud of our culture just in reviewing each piece! LiveBetter should also be proud of facilitating the First Nations Art Prize to promote our unique culture and art. Marrungbu (thank you).”
Member for Barwon, Roy Butler MP also took part in the judging and said “there was a consistently high quality of works, with some striking compositions and thought-provoking content that spoke of the pride in Cultural heritage, land and people. I wish I could have given my vote to more of the works, there were so many that were worthy of a prize.”
The winning pieces will be displayed in LiveBetter offices across our geographic footprint, and in LiveBetter’s marketing and communications material.
LiveBetter First Nations Program Advisor, Rex Cochrane said he is excited to see the winning pieces represented in LiveBetter’s story for years to come.
“The LiveBetter First Nations Art Prize has been a wonderful platform for creating meaningful opportunities within our communities through storytelling and cultural expression. All artists should be extremely proud,” said Mr Cochrane.
Here are the winners of the 2024 LiveBetter First Nations Art Prize:
Category one – Open to all First Nations People: Marley McLean
Artwork story:
The hands represent respect and the building of relationships between each other and communities. No matter our differences, and no matter how different we all are from each other. The three symbols next to each other near the mountain show three people who are sitting together showing they have a Relationship, that they tolerate and respect each other no matter their differences or how different they are from each other. The circles represent the Communities that are built on Relationships and Respect. The mountain gives the foundation for the people in the communities to build Relationships, show Respect and give everyone the Opportunity to succeed and be treated as equals.
Category two: LiveBetter First Nations staff and customers: Trish Button
Category three: Junior (First Nations People under 18 years): Lori Lampton
Artwork story:
My artwork shows relationship with each other and the environment, respect for the land, and opportunities along the way cross the river where all our aboriginal stories begin.
