Registrations are now open for the Islamic Museum of Australia’s Australian Muslim Artists 2020 exhibition, featuring a major prize sponsored by La Trobe University.

Held annually, the exhibition is an opportunity for emerging and established artists to showcase their work in a professional gallery setting.

Islamic Museum of Australia’s Founder, Moustafa Fahour OAM said he was looking forward to seeing the quality of work exhibited in 2020, following the introduction of an Art Prize in 2019 sponsored by La Trobe.

“We’re pleased to partner with La Trobe University again in 2020 as we did last year.  They truly share the same values as the Museum around strengthening cultural awareness through education, research and the arts,” said Mr Fahour.

“Their support enables us to offer a $15,000 acquisitive art prize. The quality of work on display last year was certainly reflective of the revamped model for the exhibition and we expect 2020 will also be of a very high standard. Once again, we also look forward to seeing artists from all over the country submit their work for consideration,” Mr Fahour said.

La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO said the University was proud once again to partner with a museum that has such cultural significance to its own and the wider community.

“Our commitment as a major sponsor of the Australian Muslim Artists 2020 exhibition and prize reinforces our dedication to transforming lives through education and connecting with diverse communities,” Professor Dewar said.

Last year’s AMA Art Prize was awarded to Sydney based Abdul Abdullah. As part of the prize, his exhibited work, You can call me troublesome, was acquired by La Trobe University and is now part of its art collection.

Registrations for Australian Muslim Artists are open now until 30 June 2020.  The Art Prize winner will be announced at the exhibition’s official opening in August. Artists can learn more details and register online.

The Islamic Museum of Australia is located in Thornbury, in Melbourne’s north. It is the only Islamic museum in the country and provides educational and cross-cultural experiences for all ages. The Museum’s normal trading hours are 10am – 4pm, Monday to Saturday. The Museum is temporarily closed to the public due to the Covid-19 challenges and encourages guests to visit online at www.islamicmuseum.org.au