Winner of the Shine Arts Prize 2024
Zac is the winner of the Shine Arts Prize 2024 with his submission in the visual arts category titled “Everything is possible”, a portrait of philanthropist and spinal research advocate Perry Cross AM.
The Hon. Mark Buttigieg, MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Work Health and Safety, and Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism awarded the winners’ prizes and announced the People’s Choice Award at an exhibition opening event at the icare office in Kent St, Sydney.
“The Shine Arts Prize provides a great way for the 2000 people seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents or in the workplace to express themselves and engage with life through art."
"It’s probably the highest form of human expression and what a great thing it is to be able to express yourself through the medium of art and music. Congratulations to all the participants and entrants in the 2024 Prize” Mr Buttigieg said.
Entries submitted this year on the theme “My favourite things” included works of visual arts, multimedia and music.
Where to see the exhibition
You can view the Shine Arts Prize 2024 exhibition two ways:
Public exhibition at 321 Kent St Sydney, open 8AM to 6PM from Monday 4 to Thursday 7 November; and
View the online digital gallery
The Shine Arts Prize began in 2020 to showcase artistic talent and to recognise the role of art in maintaining wellbeing among people living with severe injuries who are supported by Lifetime Care and Workers Care. All entrants have experienced severe injury from motor or workplace accidents in NSW.
“The artworks included in the Shine Arts Prize showcase the moving, inspiring, thought-provoking and profound experiences and perspectives of people living with a severe injury.”
This year’s overall winner, Zac will receive a cash prize of $2000 and a mentorship program through Accessible Arts NSW.
Everything is possible
For Zac, who was raised in a traditional household with very stoic male role models, art allows him a freedom of expression and solace. Art also allows Zac to be as rebellious as he once was. He uses a variety of mediums in his paintings and art, not only charcoal, pencil and paint but also wine!
“It’s easy to be inspired by Perry Cross. He led a very active life, then broke his neck playing rugby union. Perry is a high-level tetraplegic and has achieved so much fighting for a cure for paralysis” Zac said.
The Perry Cross Foundation was established to help find a cure for paralysis from spinal cord injury. Zac plans to donate profits to the Foundation.
People who live with tetraplegia will often participate in physical therapy programs to maintain strength and dexterity and maximise independent movement. The physical movements required to create a painting deliver the same physical benefits as therapy, as well as a creative outlet for expression.
“Perry Cross reminds me every day to stay positive and remember that with determination, everything is possible.”
About the Shine Arts Prize
Artists submitted more than 50 entries for the categories of Visual Arts (Photography, Digital, Painting, Drawing, Sculpture/3D and Film), Music and Children under 15 years, with all artworks centred on the theme “My favourite things”.
icare has again partnered with Accessible Arts NSW, the peak arts and disability organisation in NSW to provide online videos to assist participants with their art practice. The winning artworks were chosen by a panel of three judges, including Michelle Tear, Luke Escombe and Debra Keenahan.
2024 winners
Category winners receive $1,000 each in prize money:
- Paisley Flower, Visual Arts category, The Ocean
- Wayne Williams, Music category, Warwick Farm.
- Isla Davies, Children Under 15 years category, Felted fairies and unicorn.
2024 highly commended
Judges also noted highly commended artworks: Brigitte Bullen, Visual Arts category, Juxtaposition
2024 People’s Choice
This inaugural prize was awarded to Liam Raybould for his photograph titled Sunset.
