About the prize
The University is committed to improving the lived experience of its Indigenous community by shaping the physical environment and generating opportunities for Indigenous students and staff to contribute to the design, creation and activation of its campuses.
Through a University-wide open call, Indigenous students were invited to submit an artwork in response to the curatorial prompt Heal Country, Save Our Future.
2022 Art Prize Recipient
The 2022 Student Art Prize was awarded to proud Gunditjmara woman Jerrika Pevitt, a Bachelor of Science student specialising in the study of human structure. The winning work is titled Marrang – The Hand, and reflects the artist’s musings on potential ways forward along the path to reconciling this country’s shameful history with First Nations Peoples in the pursuit of healing.
The artwork was then reproduced as a commanding 8-metre vinyl billboard on the Peter Hall building, prominently visible from the Swanston Street thoroughfare.
Positioned at one of the University’s busiest entry points, Marrang – The Hand is a bold representation of the University’s commitment to transformational change, fostering cultural awareness, respect and recognition.
‘Marrang – The Hand represents the first step towards reconciliation; humanisation. Since the colonisation of our ancient country, our First Nations Peoples have been othered and trained to adhere to European norms. Created with Gunditjmara country ochre, Marrang depicts a sacred rite of passage to Indigenous adulthood, harking back to stories told through rock art. Stenciled from the artist’s own hand, it strips back layers to reveal a humanness. The lines blended like the heritage of European education. Our future must recognise the hurt, but also embrace a deep healing by honouring the rich history and life of the world’s oldest culture.’
– Jerrika Pevitt, Artist
Previous Recipients
Jen Valender, Tank – 2019-2021
Tank was created in response to the curatorial prompt, ‘The future will only contain what we put into it now’. Depicting a fishbowl with floating microwave fish fingers and cardboard box inside, Valender uses absurdism and humour to question our ability to rectify consumer capitalism and its damaging impact on marine life.
Future Submissions
Submissions for the Student Art Prize are currently closed. Check back shortly for updates on application details.
Click here for specifications and selection criteria
Selection Criteria
- Does the artwork respond to the curatorial prompt?
- Is the artwork of a high creative standard?
- Is the artwork aesthetically pleasing to a wide range of audiences?
- Is the artists’ statement well-articulated and conceptually coherent?
- Is the artwork’s messaging culturally safe and inclusive?
- Is the artwork accessible for a diverse audience?
Specifications
Specifications Images will need to be submitted as a PDF, 5803mm x 3352mm (vertically oriented), 300 DPI at 100%, 30mm bleed, CMYK or spot colours (PMS). The work will be framed with Cedar edges and will require sail track to suit.
Production will be supported financially by the New Student Precinct. Production and technical support with regard to file set up will be provided by the University.
Reconciliation
We are committed to fostering an environment in which the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their fellow Australians is characterised by a deep mutual respect, leading to positive change in our nation’s culture and capacity.
Museums and Collections
The University of Melbourne’s cultural collections play an intrinsic role in teaching and learning, research and engagement activities.
