THE Wangaratta Art Gallery and the Kyamba Foundation are pleased to present the eighth edition of the Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award, a biennial exhibition highlighting the diversity and strength of Australian textile art, at the gallery.

This year's award features an impressive increase in prize funding from $10,000 to $40,000, thanks to the generous support of the Kyamba Foundation.

From June 10 to August 20 the Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award will showcase the talents of Australian textile artists.

With Wangaratta's rich history in textile manufacturing and craft making, the award aims to promote and advance contemporary textile practices in Australia.

The partnership between Wangaratta Art Gallery and the Kyamba Foundation signifies their shared commitment to the growth of contemporary Australian textiles.

The amplified prize money solidifies Wangaratta's position as the textile art capital of Australia and establishes its status as the host of a highly sought–after national contemporary textile award.

The selection process for the 2023 award was rigorous, led by First Nations curator Belinda Briggs (Shepparton Art Museum), curator Nanette Orly (MAMA), and Rural City of Wangaratta manager of arts, culture and events, Simone Nolan.

After careful deliberation, the panel selected 29 artists from a pool of over 300 applicants based on their exceptional talent and innovative approach to textile art.

Dr Rebecca Coates, an accomplished museum director, curator, writer and lecturer, was the esteemed judge for the 2023 Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award.

The Wangaratta Art Gallery expresses deep gratitude to the Kyamba Foundation for their generous support; their partnership ensuring the award's ongoing success and national prominence.

For more information about the Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award 2023, including exhibition hours and featured artists, please visit www.wangarattaartgallery.com.au.