by Shane Sody

Preparations are under way for a new iteration of the biennial Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize.

The 2025 edition will be the sixth iteration of the Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize, after earlier editions in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2023.

But why do we do it? Why do our volunteers, committed to protection, restoration and maintenance of the world-unique Adelaide Park Lands, invest so much time and energy in promoting and running an Art Prize?

The answer is: to INSPIRE.

Your Park Lands will be protected and restored only when a sufficient number of people are inspired to demand that.

Throughout human history, art has inspired individuals and entire societies to aim for lofty goals.

Adelaide is known as a city that embraces all types of artistic endeavours. This city also has a world-wide reputation as the only city built entirely within a Park.

The Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize brings these two strengths together.

We aim to unite Adelaide’s artists and Adelaide’s Park Lands lovers in a common cause - to inspire YOU to Love Your Park Lands.

Categories - why?

The Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize differs from many other art prizes by offering a wide range of prizes, across multiple categories of art and artists.

Whereas other major art prizes tend to offer only one or two substantial prizes; or allow only a single category of art; or restrict entry to a specific cohort of artists (e.g. only for portraits, or only for natural science subjects, or only for artists under 40) the Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize is a contrast - inclusive and welcoming to all artists, and all types of art.

We have deliberately chosen to encourage a wide range of artists, and a wide range of art, to reflect the character of your Adelaide Park Lands. They are “Open, Green, Public” for all types of people doing all types of things.

Consider the variety of ways in which your Park Lands appeal to a wide range of people and activities, and include a wide range of flora and fauna, while staying Open, Green, Public.

Consider the features of your Park Lands - what makes them intriguing - birds, plants, cultural history, sculptures/monuments (and more).

Any of these features or attributes can provide INSPIRATION for an artist, which in turn can INSPIRE others to Love Your Park Lands.

If you are an artist, or you know an artist, then consider what artwork you (or they) might submit for entry, no later than 31 January 2025.

Or alternatively, consider financially supporting the 2025 Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize immediately with a donation or category sponsorship.

Find out more at www.parklandsart.org