Picturing Footscray returns (virtually) in June

Victoria University’s Picturing Footscray Photography Prize will return for its fifth year with entries opening on Friday 12 June for an online exhibition and a chance to win over $5500 in prizes.

Tuesday 19 May 2020

Victoria University’s Picturing Footscray Photography Prize will return for its fifth year with entries opening on Friday 12 June for an online exhibition and a chance to win over $5500 in prizes.

Unlike previous years, which saw salon-style physical exhibitions, Picturing Footscray will present eligible prize entries virtually, with over 150 entries expected.

The new format, resulting from COVID-19 and social distancing requirements, will showcase the photographs of people of all capabilities. Each will take on this year’s challenge to capture Footscray during these unique circumstances.

Each year, Picturing Footscray has played a major role in the documentation of Footscray during a period of significant change, and 2020 proves to be a particularly poignant time to continue this.

“Footscray is obviously going through a transformation, a gentrification, and there is a lot happening, but at its core it has such a strong diverse range of citizens, ethnic and social groups and such an exciting, vibrant and authentic spirit. Things feel real and raw and unpretentious here and I love it. Footscray makes an excellent portrait subject.” – Matto Lucas, local artist and 2019 winner

Entrants are encouraged to think outside of the box when documenting Footscray this year, while adhering to the Victorian Government restrictions.

Whether you’re a resident of Footscray and taking portraits in your backyard, walking in Footscray Park, or you live outside of Footscray and have a photo in your archive from former Footscray visits, there are many ways for people to take part. Matto Lucas says:

“The excellent thing is that at the moment, all systems are being reset and new structures are being put in place, these moving wheels give us an opportunity, with nothing to lose, why not try something differtent?”

Viewing the entries and selecting the winning artworks will be esteemed photographers Cameron Cope and Megan Evans.

Cameron has an extensive background in travel editorial photography and runs photography workshops with RMIT University. Fresh from a 2019 Footscray Art Prize win, Megan’s artistic career spans several decades and practices, and she is local to the west of Melbourne.

This year’s key sponsors Ernest Studios and Prism Imaging have come onboard to provide vouchers in addition to the large prize money offerings, and the Student and People’s Choice categories continue.

Entry into the Picturing Footscray Photography Prize is free.

Visit www.vu.edu.au/picturing-footscray to find out more.