Geoff Robinson
Winner — Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture 2014

Receiving the 2014 Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture for the project 15 locations/15 minutes/15 days was a tremendous high point in my art career so far. The prize has enabled me to practice full time as an artist over 2015 which lead to the production of three major projects; Room Overlay at WestSpace gallery, Turn right at the palm tree(s)/Propositions for change at Latrobe Regional Gallery (as a part of the Gertrude Regional Residencies) and Itinerant Sound at C3 Contemporary Art Space (as a part of Feeling Material). The financial benefits of the prize has also allowed me to upgrade my photo, video and sound recording equipment and studio tools. Most importantly the prize has established a level of recognition in my art practice amongst my peers and the greater contemporary art community. 

Kay Abude
Winner — Professional Development Award 2014

As a finalist of the Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture 2014, I was extremely honored to receive the Professional Development Award 2014. The award comprised of $10,000 cash, $2,500 Qantas international airfare credit and a professional practice opportunity in the Sculpture and Spatial Practice Department in the School of Art at the Victorian College of the Arts, The University of Melbourne. The award raised my profile as an emerging artist and connected me to a new network of artists and arts professionals which has enriched my experiences. The award enabled me to travel on a 14-day research trip to Venice in June 2015 to visit the 56th International Art Exhibition. Travelling to Venice and experiencing the work of the highest calibre of artists who are currently exhibiting on an international platform has greatly benefited and impacted me as an artist, as it has inspired and informed my practice in new and exciting ways. The award also provided me with a paid teaching opportunity in the Sculpture Department at VCA. Senior academic staff mentored me while I completed my short-term teaching residency. Through this experience, other teaching opportunities have arisen which have contributed to my ongoing professional growth and development.