The Doyles Art Award: Mudgeeraba’s creative heartbeat is back this July
Over the past few days, hundreds of artists have been dropping off their prized paintings in Mudgeeraba for the much-anticipated annual Doyles Art Award. Some paintings have even flown in from interstate to take part in this Gold Coast hinterland tradition.
It’s little wonder that being a finalist in the Doyles is so sought-after; there is over $33,000 worth of prize money across several categories, with the largest sum going to the winner of the landscape category ($20,000). Many artists have launched their careers through exposure from the Doyles.
Named on behalf of renowned artist and hinterland local, the late d’Arcy Doyle, the Doyles has been a Mudgeeraba tradition for over 20 years. It’s not-for-profit and powered by a team of extraordinary volunteers who deliver a 10-day exhibition that is completely free for the public to walk through and enjoy. Almost all paintings are for sale.
Held over the winter school holidays, it’s an excellent outing for the kids, with rock painting activities on the balcony while parents peruse the exhibition and select a new painting for the family home. Minibuses full of eager aged care home residents make an outing out of it on weekdays.
Event Director, Sam Sinner, remarked that the quality of the artwork is incredibly high and gets better each year.
“We are moving towards developing a Doyles Art Award collection, which can be on loan to cultural and educational entities. Arts and culture are the backbone of our society, and we see ourselves guarding and growing this historically significant event for future generations.”
The exhibition will be held from 3-13 July 10am-5pm at Mudgeeraba Community Centre at Firth Park. For more details, visit thedoylesaward.com.au
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