HVO supports 2024 Singleton Art Prize

Singleton residents and visitors had the opportunity to see more than 500 art works at this year’s Singleton Art Prize.

Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) again sponsored the event through a 2024 HVO community grant. Its joint venture owner, Yancoal, is also the major event partner and sponsored five category prizes, including the two major prizes.

HVO General Manager Dave Foster, Community and Environment Manager Andrew Speechly and Mining Manager David Mitchell (pictured) attended the opening night at the Singleton Civic Centre on July 26, 2024. 

The winner of the 2024 HVO Still Life Prize is Newcastle artist John Edge for his work “Still Life by Eggs”. John won the category last year too. Donna Gilbertson was runner up for her work “Lost and Found”. Gaye Shields was highly commended for “Pickled Pears” and Hayley Mclachlan was commended for “Mirror Image”.

The Acquisitive Winner was “Golden Light” by Nina Volk. This work is purchased by event organisers, the Rotary Club of Singleton on Hunter, to become part of the Singleton Collection. Singleton Council manages the Collection on behalf of the community. Council displays the Collection in the Singleton Library, Singleton Arts & Cultural Centre and at Council offices. 

All the artworks were on display during the general exhibition held from July 27 to 31. 

HVO’s second year apprentices also supported the event, helping organisers to set up and pack up the event. 

“Our apprentices did a great job setting up and packing up, saving the volunteer organisers time. They gained skills in teamwork and project management.” 

Dave said HVO supports the event because it supports the community in several ways. He said the Singleton Art Prize is in its 41^st year and is now one of the largest and most prestigious regional art prizes in NSW. 

“The local community and art lovers from other parts of Australia get to see some great art by local and other Australian artists,” Dave said.

“The Prize supports and encourages artists. This year’s event had the highest number of first-time entrants in a single year for the last decade,” he said.

“The proceeds from commissions on the sale of the art fund local projects by local community groups.” 

“HVO recognises and appreciates the important work the Rotary Club of Singleton on Hunter do putting on this event and supporting our community in other ways, so it is important we get behind them.”

“Our apprentices did a great job setting up and packing up, saving the volunteer organisers time. They gained skills in teamwork and project management.”  

The art prize is open to all prominent and up-and-coming Australian artists. This year there were 16 categories including specific categories for young artists aged 8 to 12, 13 to 15 and 16 to 18.