Media Release

Northern Territory Government

Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities Entries now open for 2023 Portrait of a Senior Territorian

11 October 2023

Northern Territory artists can now enter a portrait of their beloved Elder, grandparent, senior colleague, neighbour or friend in the 2023 Portrait of a Senior Territorian Art Award.

Last year’s winner Montana Kitching took out first prize with her oil painting of her cherished colleague, Vicki Siemer, who helps keep a Darwin Private Hospital ward afloat.

As a nurse, Montana wanted to honour Vicki for her pivotal role as a ward clerk in the Jacana Ward, illustrating through her painting the care and sense of calm she provides the staff.

The Portrait of a Senior Territorian Art Award is celebrating its 24th year, from its humble beginnings of a one-off event in 1999 to observe the International Year of Older Persons. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the contributions our seniors through art.

First prize winners of the 2023 Portrait of a Senior Territorian Art Award can take home $7,000 from a total prize pool of $10,500 - with first, second, third prize and a People’s Choice Award up for grabs.

Winners will be announced at the opening of the exhibition at Parliament House on Monday 27 November.

Portraits will be on display until 10 December when voting for the People’s Choice Award closes and winners of the $1,000 cash prize will be announced on 12 December. This year the event extends photographic entries to include ‘Selfie’s with a Senior’.

Northern Territory residents 17 and over can enter the award with an original portrait completed in the past 12 months.

Judging criteria includes technical expertise, originality, effectiveness in capturing the personality of the subject; effectiveness in capturing the Territory’s identity, culture and history; contribution to the legacy of NT art and the Portrait of a Senior Territorian; including the subject’s personal response to the work.

Entries close on 27 October 2023. Find out more about how to enter the Portrait of a Senior Territorian award at [https://nt.gov.au/leisure/arts-culture-heritage/events/portrait-of-a-senior-territorian-award].

Quotes attributable to Acting Chief Executive, Territory Families, Housing and Communities Emma White

“The Portrait of a Senior Territorian Award celebrates our beloved seniors who hold the wonderful stories of the Territory and make such a valuable contribution to the community.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to nurture artistic talents from across the Territory, from experienced artists to those who are new to picking up a paintbrush, and I look forward to seeing all the artworks in Parliament House in December.”

Quotes attributable to 2022 Portrait of a Senior Territorian winner Montana Kitching

“It is a wonderful concept to paint a senior Territorian, I had so much fun sitting with Vicki to paint her portrait.

“I really enjoyed the process of choosing who to paint, taking time to get to know Vicki better and her incredible story. I encourage all artists thinking about giving it a go to do it, you won’t regret it.”

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