Installation and video artist Amanda Bennetts has won $25,000 and the biennial Girra: Fraser Coast National Art Prize for her captivating video artwork Carve Crevice from Grace.

Originally commissioned by the Sydney Opera House and Accessible Arts as part of Frame Shift 2024, Bennetts’ piece is a compelling performance that highlights the futility of labour under capitalism.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Arts spokesperson, Cr Michelle Govers, said Ms Bennetts’ video artwork is a striking exploration of labour, productivity and usefulness through the lens of disability.

“Shaped by her own experience with multiple sclerosis and a rare muscular disease, Amanda’s work is a remarkable piece of art that embodies everything this national prize stands for,” said Cr Govers.

This year’s prize attracted more than 250 entries nationwide, with the winner chosen by a respected judging panel including Waanyi artist Judy Watson, Michelle Newton, Head of Visual Arts, Creative Australia and Sarah Thomson, Director of Hervey Bay Regional Gallery.

Carve Crevice from Grace will join the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery collection alongside works by other leading Australian artists. It will be on exhibition until 16 November 2025, with free entry.

ENDS

Image description: Five women are standing in a line, smiling at the camera. From left to right: Judy Watson (artist and Girra co-judge), Cr Michelle Govers, winner Amanda Bennetts, Sarah Thomson (Hervey Bay Regional Gallery Director) and Michelle Newton (Head of Visual Arts, Creative Australia and Girra co-judge). Photo by Coy Fox.