Survey of Tasmania's Only Art Prize for Women

A research survey of Tasmania's only Art Prize for Women was launched on International Women’s Day, 2018.

Material Girl, Tasmania’s only art prize for women was launched in 2002 with support from Women Tasmania and the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Area Five Zonta Clubs Tasmania and Bell Bay Aluminium. The goal of the award was to foster and showcase the development of emerging women artists in Tasmania.

 The award has had a long and rich history over the past 16 years. Administered by Tasmanian Regional Arts until its closure in mid-2017, there has been widespread support from the sector for the continuation of the award.

 In order to determine the future of the award, RANT Arts, with financial support from Bell Bay Aluminium and in kind support from Zonta, conducted a detailed community survey and consultation designed to gather data, feedback, opinion and insights about the award from artists, arts organisations, sponsors, sector leaders, government and the general public.

In particular, the research focused on:
• Feedback with regard to the Material Girl name, prestige and social inclusion,
• Feedback and research on whether a female only art prize is still relevant,
• Feedback on potential for a new direction to lift the quality and prestige of the award without alienating the current demographic.

Analysis of the data indicated a strong desire for change and transformation for the award while still acknowledging the importance of Material Girls long and rich history. This information has helped inform and determine the awards future direction, structure and sustainability.