Jake Walker wins inaugural Arkley Award @ NOTFAIR 2010

Jake Walker, The Way 7, 2009

IN THEIR INTRODUCTION to the NOTFAIR catalogue, curators Ashley Crawford, Tony Lloyd and Sam Leach, tell us how NOTFAIR 2010 “began, and at heart remains, a humble affair”. What began as a small idea has grown into something that has taken even them by surprise.

Coinciding with the behemoth that is Melbourne Art Fair – where the heavy weights of Australia’s commercial art community converge to exhibit their artists to collectors, curators and publishers alike  – NOTFAIR 2010 launched as Australia’s first real satellite art fair. 36 artists on exhibition are presenting over 50 works of art. Over 600 guests were counted as attending the official opening on Thursday evening. A stella line up sponsors and supporters joined force to aid this grass roots affair for the Australian artistic community. Each of these aspects highlight the strength with which NOTFAIR emerged as an important satellite event. However its 3 awards cements, as its mission, the seriousness with which it endeavours to create opportunities for undervalued artists to further their careers.

This year an aquisitive prize sponsored by media management company Profile Talent for $5,000 was won by Chris Henshke; the Lipman Karas acquisitive prize worth$5000 was won by Andre Piguet; and the grand inaugural Arkley Award – sponsored by Howard Arkley‘s mother – worth $15,000 was won by Jake Walker.

NOTFAIR will, no doubt, be back again in 2 years time bigger, stronger and as full of energy for artists, by artists and with artists and for this we are grateful!