There’s only two weeks until the winners of the 2023 Environmental Art & Design Prize (EADP) are announced and the exhibition across three art venues on the Northern Beaches commences. 

In its third year, the EADP is an opportunity for the community to engage with the unique insights that artists and designers bring to our understanding of the natural world and the environmental challenges we face together.

The Prize celebrates contemporary art practices that are socially engaged, environmentally aware and seek to enrich and contribute to positive change through creative practice. 

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said artists and designers from every state and territory across Australia have entered this year’s Prize demonstrating that there is concern nationally for environmental issues that affect us all.

“The Northern Beaches has always had a strong relationship with the natural environment and sustainable living, as well as a long history of excellence in art and design. The Prize is an inclusive and diverse exhibition that celebrates the vibrancy of the arts and design community beyond the Northern Beaches.

“The finalist works showcase artists and designers who have a keen interest and focus on the natural world, environmental renewal, regeneration and the circular economy.

“By bringing these themes together, we’ve received a diverse range of participants from across Australia who have been inspired to contribute to an exhibition that connects audiences with new ideas, innovative practices and critical reflection.

“Be sure to visit one of the three locations where works of the finalists and winners will be on display during August. It’s definitely an exhibition not to be missed,” Mayor Heins said.

The nine categories of the prize include ceramics and small sculpture, film, interdisciplinary collaboration, painting and mixed media, works on paper and photography, wearable and functional design, and two separate young artist and designer categories for creatives aged 7–12 and 13-18 years old.  

The winners of the Environmental Art & Design Prize will be announced on Thursday 3 August and the exhibition will open to the public on Friday 4-27 August (Tue-Sun, 10am-5pm) at Manly Art Gallery & Museum, Curl Curl Creative Space and Mona Vale Creative Space Gallery. Entry is free.

Judges for this year’s Prize included independent Indigenous curator, consultant and artist, Emily McDaniel, contemporary multi-disciplinary artist Caroline Rothwell and Australian industrial designer Adam Goodrum.

The People’s Choice Awards will be announced on Friday 25 August at 7pm. The exhibition entry is free.

View the full lists of finalists on our website and a selection of their works can be found here.