Tall Poppies: Late Bloomers is this year's theme for the 2014 Material Girl Awards, presented by Tasmanian Regional Arts. Renowned for its quirkiness, the competition attracts a diverse range of artists and mediums with entries this year including a short film, a diorama and a Facebook page.
I am pleased to be part of the Material Girl Awards that acknowledge, reward and celebrate women artists and the important contribution they make to our cultural landscape and heritage.
Now in its 13th year, Material Girl is an annual, themed art award that began as an International Women's Day event in 2002. It continues to support, celebrate and promote female creativity in Tasmania and encourages people to consider women's roles in society.
At its inception, the name Material Girl was chosen to acknowledge that textiles were traditionally a female art form and the Awards originally focused heavily on this medium. Material Girl now encompasses all media and this ever-popular competition ensures a dynamic exhibition for audiences.
Two exhibition openings will be held across the State. The first at the Moonah Arts Centre, in Southern Tasmania from 9 to 24 May, and the second at the Burnie Regional Art Gallery, in the State's North West from 30 May to 29 June.
The Premier's Choice Award and the People's Choice Award are sponsored by the Department of Premier and Cabinet and I was very pleased to be able to announce the winners on behalf of the Premier. Other awards include those for Overall Excellence, Highly Commended and Young Emerging Artist.