MA Art Prize
Celebrating and supporting emerging Australian artists
At MA Financial we’re committed to supporting causes that make a meaningful difference through the MA Foundation, and we have a strong focus on Indigenous education and mental health.
Our support also extends to the arts, where we believe a vibrant cultural landscape is essential to a dynamic, forward-thinking society. Contemporary art in particular has long been a passion for us, and the MA Art Prize is one of the ways we put this belief into action.
Established in 2023, the acquisitive Prize provides emerging and early-career artists with both a platform to showcase their work at Australasia’s leading art fair – Sydney Contemporary – and the opportunity to connect with a broader audience. By celebrating new voices and perspectives, the Prize aims to highlight the depth of talent in Australia’s contemporary art scene and play a meaningful role in helping artists build their careers and realise their potential.
MA Art Prize recipients
Juanita McLauchlan
‘Mandaymanday / String of Stars’
Woollen blanket, brushtail possum, coins and cotton threads
215 x 180 cm
Juanita McLauchlan’s work was recognised for its originality and distinctly Australian voice. By intertwining native and colonial materials, she evokes an impression of Wiradjuri Country in Wagga Wagga, NSW, where she lives. The piece symbolises enduring bloodline connections across generations, offering a powerful and personal narrative.
Alfred Lowe
‘All dressed up I’
Hand built stoneware with sgraffito and raffia
87 h x 91 w x 83 cm
Alfred Lowe’s sculptural work stood out for its bold and confident use of colour, form, and texture. Drawing on his intimate knowledge of the Central Desert landscape north of Alice Springs, his work conveys a sense of strength and resilience while reflecting the cultural and environmental influences of his origins.
Corban Clause Williams
Kaalpa (Kalypa, Canning Stock Route Well 23)
Manyjilyjarra artist Corban Clause Williams, from the Pilbara region, created a work informed by time spent on Country at Kaalpa, a desert water site central to traditional stories. His work showcases untold narratives of remote Australian life, capturing the deep spiritual and cultural connections that shape his community.
MA Financial corporate art collection
Alongside our ongoing partnership with Sydney Contemporary, we have long been growing our corporate art collection with a particular focus on emerging Australian artists.
Our collection not only supports artists by providing greater visibility but also creates opportunities for our clients, shareholders, and employees to engage with contemporary art in meaningful ways. The response to the collection has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the value of art in fostering connection, dialogue, and a vibrant workplace culture.
