As Australia’s richest annual prize for sculptors in Australia, the Helen Lempriere National Sculpture Award fosters and promotes contemporary Australian sculpture.
Launched in 2000, the Helen Lempriere Award has introduced a renewed vigour in the contemporary Australian sculpture scene. Following the call for submissions, the annual exhibition of finalists’ works sparks essential discourse on sculpture and it’s meaning in the Australian cultural community. In addition to this vital dialogue, the Award presents a total of $155,000 to Australian sculptors – fundamental funds that help to cultivate the vitality of this art form.
The sculptures of the selected finalists are exhibited in the gardens of Werribee Park, Victoria – a spectacular setting for the public to experience and appreciate the wide variety of sculptural work. The unique garden setting for the exhibition attracts a wide and varied audience.
The Award is the realisation of a bequest by the late Keith Wood, honouring his wife, Helen Lempriere. Helen Lempriere was one of Australia’s leading female artist’s in the mid 20th Century, attracting national and international acclaim for her painting, printmaking and sculpture.
Developed with the advice of Perpetual, the Helen Lempriere Award fulfils Keith Wood’s aims of making a significant philanthropic contribution to the arts whilst commemorating Helen Lempriere, a leading figure in the development of a unique Australian aesthetic.