Local artist, Jamie Congdon takes home Moreton Bay Art Prize 2023

Published 25 July 2023

All Aboard in Margate Parade, a sophisticated and contemporary interpretation of a self-portrait, is the winning entry in this year’s Moreton Bay Region Art Prize.

First prize winner, Jamie Congdon, is a well-regarded local artist who uses the world around him as his inspiration. Traversing a range of form and style, his artworks present viewers with new perspectives on portraiture and suburban landscapes, providing complex narratives through snapshots of fleeting daily moments and creating an intimate visual diary.

With 152 entries in this year’s Moreton Bay Region Art Prize and a further 39 entries in the Outdoor Gallery, Mayor Peter Flannery said the exhibition showcased the depth of artistic talent in the Moreton Bay Region.

“These outstanding works speak volumes about the talent of our local artists,” Mayor Flannery said.

“A flourishing arts and cultural sector plays a vital role in shaping our city’s identity and contributes to a sense of place and belonging.

“Council is helping build Moreton Bay’s creative communities by celebrating the city’s talents and, this year is contributing $10,000 in prizes to support local artists to continue their great work.

“Residents can show their support by visiting the exhibition at Pine Rivers Art Gallery by August 19 and voting for the People’s Choice Award.”

The 2023 Moreton Bay Region Art Prize winners and submissions will be on display at Pine Rivers Art Gallery until 19 August. First prize was awarded $5,000 (Jamie Congdon, All Aboard in Margate Parade), second prize awarded $3,000 (Tayla Anahera Shanti Mishra, The Interruption) and third prize awarded $1,500 (Amanda Ivy Gardner, Ladies Home Journal #3). The People’s Choice Award of $500 will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition. 

“For those that remember the vibrant Outdoor Gallery that popped up throughout May and June, those banners have found a new life as a one-of-a-kind upcycled outdoor picnic mat. These sustainable pieces will be available for purchase for $30 at Redcliffe, Pine Rivers and Caboolture Art Gallery shops in mid-August,” Mayor Flannery said.

“We have a strong network of libraries, galleries, museums, heritage services, and cultural activation services which deliver significant arts and cultural outcomes across the region.

“We’ve invested over $17 million into our cultural services this financial year and are working on our Creative Communities Action Plan to ensure we are continuing to support the arts into the future.”

View all 2023 Moreton Bay Region Art Prize winning artworks

View all 2023 Moreton Bay Region Outdoor Gallery winners