Our Mob 2018 Emerging Artist Prize Winner Announced

Ngarrindjeri and Nurungga man Tony Wilson was announced the 2018 winner of the $5,000 Don Dunstan Foundation Our Mob Emerging Artist Prize at the 2018 OUR MOB opening at Adelaide Festival Centre.

The prize win will allow the 37 year old Port Adelaide resident (who recently spent time as Alberton Primary School's Artist in Residence mentoring young artists to find connection to culture through art) to further his own art practice through a mentorship with prolific South Australian Aboriginal artist Damien Shen.

The six month mentorship, beginning next month, will assist Tony in his preparation for a solo exhibition at Port Adelaide's Fontanelle Art Gallery as part of Adelaide Fringe Festival 2019.

Tony impressed the judges with his exceptional painting on canvas, titled 'Uncle'.

Tony Wilson: "This painting is an acknowledgement to leaders in our community not only past and present but also our future leaders. It suggests the importance of how our present choices have impact on the people and environment now and into the future. It's about empowering ourselves through empowering others."

Two other prizes were awarded on the night: the Country Arts SA Professional Development initiative Award, won by 26 year old Billy O'Toole of Coober Pedy; and the Ku Arts Our Young Mob Award, won by 12 year old Cooper Miller of Port Lincoln.

The 2018 OUR MOB program features three free exhibitions: Our Mob, works by South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists; Our Young Mob, works by artists under 18 years of age and the Don Dunstan Foundation Prize Showcase, produced by last year's Emerging Artist Award recipient Patrick Ferguson.

Douglas Gautier AM, Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic Director: "Since 2006, OUR MOB has boosted the careers and art practices of numerous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists throughout South Australia.

"What began as a survey of visual art is now one of our most important annual programs, bringing artists, industry partners, and arts organisations from all over the state together in a celebration of art and community.

"Visual arts are an important part of what we do at Adelaide Festival Centre and we are proud to present and support established and emerging artists. We congratulate this year's winners and look forward to celebrating their success for years to come."

Adelaide Festival Centre gratefully acknowledges ongoing partnerships with Ku Arts and Culture Aboriginal Corporation and SICAD; Country Arts SA; The Don Dunstan Foundation; TARNANTHI: Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art; and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture centre managers and coordinators across South Australia.

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