Artists encouraged to get “on their marks” for the 2022 Libris Awards

Published: 16 Jul 2021

Artspace Mackay is counting down to the opening of the premier national artists’ book prize, the Libris Awards.

The team are giving artists plenty of warning to start planning their entries for the 2022 Awards, with submissions opening on November 30, 2021.

And this year, Artspace Mackay is also offering an exciting tool for artists in search of inspiration – the online collection.

Artspace director Tracey Heathwood said the collection contained one of the biggest holdings of artists’ books outside of the capital cities.

“Artists can head to the website and view a mass of artists’ books, including all the past Libris Winners,” Ms Heathwood said.

“It’s pretty exciting and will hopefully feed the imaginations of up-and-coming artists interested in the genre,” she said.

The Libris Awards bring together works by leading and emerging artists’ book makers from across the country.

There are four award categories, with a combined prize pool of $14,500.

The award categories include the Mackay Regional Council Regional Artists’ Book Award which is a $2500 prize for local makers from, or with connection to, the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions.

The Awards are a chance to celebrate the art form and build on the gallery’s significant artist book collection through the competition’s acquisitive prizes.

Image: Pamela SEE Mackay 2020, cotton rag and thread, bagasse, and acid-free glue, 33 x 32 x 5 cm (book); 39 x 33 cm (paper cut-out). Winner, Mackay Regional Council Regional Artists' Book Award 2020. Mackay Regional Council Art Collection, purchased through the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Fund 2020. Image: Jim Cullen Photography.