West Darling Arts is thrilled to congratulate 11 talented artists from across the West Darling Arts region who have been selected as finalists in this year’s Outback Country Art Prize, presented by Outback Arts. 

The finalists represent the incredible breadth and diversity of creative practice happening across our region, with artists from Broken Hill, Menindee and Wentworth Shire all receiving recognition for their work. 

Congratulations to our Broken Hill finalists: Feona Bates, Jason McCarthur, Sophie Massey, Damian Sawyers, Kathy Graham, Lyndy Marshall, Ella Horsfall and Anna Liston. 

Congratulations also to Menindee artist Barbara Quayle, and Wentworth Shire artists Rita Attwood and Jasmine Attwood. 

We are incredibly proud to see so many artists from the West Darling Arts region represented among the finalists and celebrating the creative talent that exists across the Far West. 

Established in 2011,The Outback Country Art Prize, provides artists living in rural and remote communities with opportunities to exhibit their work, develop professionally and connect with the wider arts community. This year’s finalists will have their work exhibited at the Outback Arts Creative Arts Centre in Coonamble. 

For artists living in regional and remote areas, opportunities like these can make a significant difference. Having their work exhibited alongside artists from across a much wider region provides valuable exposure, recognition and connection, and helps ensure the stories and perspectives of regional artists continue to be seen and celebrated. 

At West Darling Arts, we’re pleased to provide modest support that helps artists from our region participate in the Prize. This year, we are also helping make the process a little easier by transporting artworks from the West Darling Arts region, reducing some of the logistical barriers that can come with participating in opportunities further afield. 

For artists working across vast distances, practical support like this can help turn an opportunity into something that is genuinely accessible. We’re delighted to play a small part in helping our local artists get their work out into the world and, most importantly, to see their talent recognised on a wider stage. 

To all of our finalists: congratulations! Your selection is a wonderful reflection of the strength, creativity and diversity of the arts community across the West Darling region. 

We wish Feona, Jason, Sophie, Damian, Kathy, Lyndy, Ella, Anna, Barbara, Rita and Jasmine all the very best for the next stage of the Outback Country Art Prize. 

We’ll be cheering you on!