Now in its second year, INAP 2017 was a continued success and the response to the prize was fantastic. We received over 100 entries from local artists, fundraised over $3,000 for the main prize and student’s prize through donations from the community, and presented the work of 31 finalists for the exhibition at The Front Gallery and Cafe. All artists and donors to the prize received a limited edition print run of the Inner North Art Prize 2017 catalogue, showcasing every entry received to the prize including the 31 finalists. The catalogues were also available for sale from the gallery.

The theme for the 2017 Inner North Art Prize was: COMMON TRUTH.

Our judges for 2017 were Genevieve Jacobs, Rachael Coughlan, and Michael Cammack - three outstanding members of the Inner North arts community, whose enthusiasm and expertise helped bring the vision to life for the second year running. Genevieve, Rachael and Michael spent many hours with the INAP team, reading and viewing over 100 entries to the prize, as well as deliberating over the finalists at The Front the day before the exhibition launch late into the night. We would like to take this opportunity to recognise the selection panel’s commitment to supporting and promoting the Canberran art community and are grateful for their generous support in selecting the 2017 Inner North Art Prize finalists and winners - not to mention their advice, feedback and support for this year’s event and for the future of the prize. We couldn’t have done this without you! 

The judges spent a solid afternoon into evening deliberating over the final decisions for the awards. Congratulations to Julie Bradley (Selectors Choice Award), Katie Hayne and Carman Skeehan (joint winners of the Eckersley's Student Prize) and Neet Smith (People's Choice Award sponsored by City Framing Gallery) - our Inner North Art Prize winners for 2017!

2017 saw us trial another initiative partnered with the finalists exhibition - the Inner North Artist Market, held on the final Sunday of the exhibition at The Front Gallery and Cafe. Artists who entered the prize were invited to set up a small stall outside the gallery to showcase and sell more of their handmade works, prints, sculptures and gifts. 13 artists participated and had a great response from their customers on the day, as well as appreciating the opportunity to meet one another and share more of their unique creations. We look forward to building on this event for 2018 to continue to support the local arts community with avenues to promote their talents to Canberra’s audiences.

A big thank you to all of our fantastic donors and supporters who helped us reach our epic $3,000 fundraising goal for the main prize and student prize, and to our generous sponsors - City Framing Gallery for their donation of a $400 voucher for the People's Choice Award; Pact Beer Co for generously donating delicious brews for the launch event; and The Front Gallery and Cafe for providing us with the space to showcase the work of our finalists. Thanks must also go to all our brilliant artists for entering the prize and sharing their talent with us and the Inner North community, and getting involved in this initiative for the second year running - we’re honoured to have worked with all of you and hope you return for 2018!