Popular McLaren Vale winery Chapel Hill has announced the launch of the Chapel Hill Horizons Art Prize, a new initiative designed to celebrate South Australian artists. A $5,000 grand prize is on offer for the local artist who claims the Horizons Art Prize.
The competition invites SA artists to enter pieces which interpret the local landscape and their vision for its future. Artists can submit their work until July 14th via the form here, and will need to include a title for the work, dimensions, and a photograph.
The theme for the prize, ‘horizons’, challenges artists to explore the literal and metaphorical meanings of the word. Each artwork must depict a clear horizon line to reflect on the dual aspects of horizons, as the physical delineation between earth and sky and as a symbol of future possibilities. The theme sets out to explore the majestic vistas of McLaren Vale and its evolving cultural landscape.
The winning artwork will not only score a $5,000 prize but will also become part of Chapel Hill’s permanent art collection on the walls of the winery’s iconic chapel. The space is decorated with a stunning collection of artworks and serves as an example of the winery’s long-standing connection with the arts.
Michael Fragos, Chief Winemaker at Chapel Hill, who is celebrating his 22nd vintage at the winery, said, “Chapel Hill is defined by its spectacular surroundings. Every day we take inspiration from the beautiful landscape, the views back over McLaren Vale and the coast, as well as the shimmering sunsets.”
“Since hosting Adelaide Festival events at the winery in the 1970s, Chapel Hill has had a long and proud history of supporting artists. It is so exciting to now bring together all of these elements with our inaugural Horizons Art Prize,” he added.
Bridget Alfred, CEO of the South Australian Living Arts Festival (SALA), said, “We are thrilled to include the inaugural ‘Horizons Art Prize’ exhibition in the 2025 SALA Festival, and welcome Chapel Hill Wines’ championing of South Australian artists and our fabulous SA culture. We encourage all eligible artists to enter and look forward to seeing the finalists in August!”
The winning piece will be selected by a yet-to-be-announced panel of local community and arts figures. The panel will evaluate entries based on aesthetic quality, adherence to the brief, technical skill, and the artwork’s suitability for display.
Entrants must be South Australian residents aged 18 years or over. All artworks must be two-dimensional and suitable for hanging in a gallery setting, including media such as paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media, or prints (subject to edition limits).
The shortlist will be unveiled on July 18th, with an exhibition of the finalists running at Chapel Hill from August 3rd to September 6th. The month-long fixture invites all shortlisted artists to showcase and put their work up for sale for the exhibition duration.
The art prize is a fantastic opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their work and connect with the McLaren Vale region through their chosen medium. Look out for the Chapel Hill Horizons Art Prize exhibition in the winery’s iconic chapel this winter.
Chapel Hill Horizons Art Prize
Theme: Horizons
When: Entries open until July 14th, 2025
Where: Chaffey Rd & Chapel Hill Road McLaren Vale SA 5171
For more information and to enter, click here.
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