Check here periodically to see what latest opportunities we have for artists to express their interest in working on specific projects.
We’re always looking to collaborate with new First Nations artists.
If you are one, or know of one, please fill out the form below. We’d love to connect!
Gladys Elphick Artist Competition 2025
The Gladys Elphick Awards celebrate the life achievements of the late Aunty Gladys Elphick and her fellow members of the Council of Aboriginal Women of South Australia. The awards acknowledge the contemporary achievements of Aboriginal women who work tirelessly to advance the status of Aboriginal people through a wide range of mediums.
Our Vision: “Supporting Aboriginal Women through the recognition of excellence and, advancing Aboriginal people for a better tomorrow.”
Our Mission: “Lead the preservation of the Gladys Elphick legacy to support and advance the status of Aboriginal people.”
Context
The Gladys Elphick awards committee is providing an opportunity to a young, emerging, female, Aboriginal artist to design a powerful and inspiring piece of artwork to celebrate the life of Auntie Gladys and the (former) Council of Aboriginal Women of SA.
Project
Your artwork will demonstrate and honour the spirit of the awards, the Aboriginal women in our community that have strived and paved the way for our new generation and inspire them to walk in the footsteps of Auntie Gladys and the council.
By submitting your artwork, you agree that it may be used as part of the branding for the Gladys Elphick Awards and other related activities, such as the Sisterhood Foundation, for a period of two years (extensions may be negotiated). This includes, but is not limited to, use in media, film, marketing materials, promotional items, logos, trophies, banners, and digital platforms as negotiated.
Your artwork may also be adapted into print-ready files or digital designs, either in whole or in part, as needed. Please keep these potential uses in mind when creating your artwork.
Eligibility Criteria
This competition is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander emerging female artists who reside in South Australia.
- You must be aged from 16-21.
- You must identify as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person as defined by descent through parentage, identification as being Aboriginal and being accepted by the community as such. Confirmation must be provided with your submission.
- You must be a new, emerging artist who is not yet established—meaning you have not been published or printed and are not earning professional fees or commissions.
- Your submission must be original and created specifically for this competition.
Judging Process and Submission Guidelines
The Gladys Elphick Awards Committee will serve as the judging panel, and their decision will be final, with no appeals or protests accepted. Any committee member with a conflict of interest must declare it and abstain from judging.
The judging panel will shortlist entrants and notify them of the outcome. Shortlisted entrants will be invited to an event where their submissions will be displayed, and the winner will be announced.
Artists must confirm that their artwork is their own original creation.
Submissions must include a biography of the emerging artist.
Each submission must also include a supporting statement or story describing the artwork, which is part of the competition.
Both individual and collaborative works are accepted, including contemporary and/or traditional art forms.
If a collaborative work is submitted, the prize money will be shared and evenly distributed among the collaborators.
First prize: $3,000.00
Second: $500.00
Third: $500.00
This competition was made possible by the legacy left to our awards committee by the late Steve Mather. We are honoured to share in Steve’s legacy and to honour his memory through this competition. Steve chose to donate to the Gladys Elphick Awards in the name of his daughter, Lotti. It was important to him to make a difference and leave a meaningful legacy.
As a social worker, Steve had a strong sense of justice and was a dedicated ally and supporter of many causes, including the Aboriginal community. He deeply valued his connections with members of the Aboriginal community, particularly with Uncle Mickey Kumatpi Marrutya O’Brien, whom he greatly admired. It was through Uncle Mickey that we were introduced to Steve, which ultimately led to the creation of this competition.
The Gladys Elphick Awards Committee extends our heartfelt thanks to Steve’s Family for their continued support of this artist competition. Their generosity ensures that Steve’s vision and legacy live on, supporting emerging Aboriginal artists and the important work of reconciliation.
To enter – please complete the below entry submission form