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More than 200 artists vying for The Percivals 2022 top prizes

Date published: 13 April 2022

Flinders St will come alive as Perc Tucker Regional Gallery opens after hours to launch The Percivals next Saturday (23 April 2022).

More than 340 artworks were entered into the prize, with 250 entries from 214 artists from making it into the exhibition.

The major acquisitive award for the Percival Portrait Painting Prize is $40,000, while the Percival Photographic Portrait Prize has an acquisitive award of $10,000 and the Percival Animal Portrait Prize, the People’s Choice Award – Painting and the People’s Choice Award – Photographic all carry a $1000 prize.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the standard of artwork submitted into this year’s competition was extremely high.

“The Percivals is regarded as one of Australia’s leading art competitions, drawing hundreds of entries from across the country and overseas to compete for the top awards across three prizes,” Cr Hill said.

“As the arts and culture capital of Northern Australia, Townsville is perfectly positioned to host one of country’s most prestigious art competitions. The biennial Percivals challenges artists to push their limits and create world-class portraits for this highly regarded competition.

“Townsville is well represented in the competition this year, with 76 submitted artworks coming from our city, with a further 23 coming from the wider North Queensland area. This is a reflection on our region’s wealth of talent and our artists’ ability to produce work fit for the world stage.”

Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree said Perc Tucker Regional Gallery would be open next Saturday night for a special launch in the midst of Townsville Eats along Flinders St.

“The winners of the 2022 Percivals prizes will be announced at a special invite-only event, but it will also be broadcast on the big screen outside the gallery to watch. After the announcement, the doors will be opened to the public at 7:30pm for the first look at The Percivals,” Cr Greaney said.

“To be one of the first people to see The Percivals next Saturday night, you’ll have to book a free ticket, so make sure you head to Council’s website and get your ticket as soon as possible.

“Council will be hosting Townsville Eats too, so Saturday night is shaping up to be a great evening to go out with family and friends to enjoy breathtaking art as well as a night of delicious food and free entertainment.”

Head to The Percivals for more information.