The perennial and much-loved Gold Coast art award is back, offering up $20,000 in prizes and continuing its mission to pass the baton to the next crop of Australian artists.
Named after one of Australia’s most prolific artists and affectionately named ‘the Doyles’, the award carries a sizable $20,000 prize pool across its three competition categories – Landscape, Figurative and Still Life.
Event Director Gillian Grove said the annual award and exhibition has become a prominent fixture in Australia’s cultural calendar, contributing to the success of artists from around the country.
“For almost two decades, the Doyles Award has stood for inclusivity, participation and the celebration of all that is wonderful about Australian art, and is open to artists of all ages, abilities and styles,” says Gillian.
The award is named in honour of the famous d’Arcy William Doyle, who was born in Ipswich in 1932, and went on to become one of our nation’s best-loved landscape and historical artists.
Doyle’s artworks reflect his deep and abiding affinity for the bush, with many of his paintings depicting bucolic scenes of Australian farming and rural life.
One of his most famous paintings “The Cricket Match” was subject to a comparatively new marketing strategy involving the production and sale of limited-edition personally autographed prints.
In 1973, Doyle settled in Mudgeeraba with his wife Jennifer Doyle and their two daughters, continuing to work until his death in 2001.
Today, Doyle’s memory lives on through his timeless paintings and this art award, which endeavors to honour his legacy and inspire a new generation of artists.
“The Doyles Award is growing bigger each year, but our goal has always remained the same – to encourage everyone to participate,” says Gillian.
“There are award categories for school-aged artists, as well as the ever-popular people’s choice award which carries a $1,000 prize and is judged purely by the public.
“It’s a real testament to the increasing stature of The Doyles and its significant impact on, not only the Gold Coast, but also the Australian cultural landscape.”
As a not-for-profit event, The Doyles relies heavily on funding support which includes platinum sponsorships with Bond University, SkyRidge Living, Left Bank Art Group and Attwood Marshall Solicitors amongst others.
“We are always seeking a broader sponsorship reach to keep The Doyles thriving and to continue our important work of fostering and encouraging Australian artists,” said Gillian.
To find out more about the award and exhibition, visit www.thedoylesaward.com.au
The Doyles Art Award
When: 22 June – 3 July, 2022
Where: Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall
