Orlando Museum of Art celebrates 10th Anniversary of Florida Prize in Contemporary Art

For the first time in Florida Prize history, two Orlando-based artists are part of the ten-artist lineup.

The Florida Prize in Contemporary Art, the Orlando Museum of Art’s signature exhibition, will celebrate its tenth anniversary, a milestone within the museum’s centennial anniversary celebration year.

The selected artists for the 2024 exhibition are Mona Bozorgi, Tallahassee, FL; Yanira Collado, Miami, FL; Bernadette Despujols, Miami, FL; Sheila Goloborotko, Jacksonville, FL; Njeri Kinuthia, Orlando, FL; Boy Kong, Orlando, FL; Francesco Lo Castro, Miami, FL; Carol Prusa, Miami, FL; Jason Seife, Miami, FL; Onajide Shabaka, Miami, FL.

The Florida Prize in Contemporary Art, organized by the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA), brings new recognition to the state's most progressive artists. Each year, OMA’s curatorial team surveys artists working throughout the State before inviting ten to participate. One artist will receive a $20,000 award made possible with the generous support of local philanthropists Gail and Michael Winn. The exhibition is also sponsored in part by Nelson Mullins and Jeffrey and Caroline Blydenburgh.

The exhibition results from intensive research and review of hundreds of artists annually. While always limiting the selection to just ten artists is difficult, it allows the museum to feature each artist in depth. Artists present multiple works from recent years or large-scale installations created on-site that give visitors a fuller understanding of their vision and accomplishment. As a survey exhibition, the Florida Prizealways brings together artists of diverse backgrounds and varying practices. It is a snapshot of the state’s cultural vitality, as seen through some of the most captivating work done here and now.

“Some of the most compelling and recurrent themes in the exhibition this year focus on our relationship and interconnectedness with celestial and earthly elements” says OMA Chief Curator, Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon. “The artists’ deeply rooted cultural heritage, and stories of migration; and the urgent need to advocate and raise awareness about the ongoing mistreatment of women and girls worldwide. The resulting exhibition is poised to offer profoundly awe-inspiring moments, prompting contemplation and reflection.”

Artists range from emerging to mid-career, often with distinguished records of exhibitions and awards that reflect recognition at national and international levels. In all cases, they are artists who explore significant ideas of art and culture in original and visually exciting ways. The Florida Prize in Contemporary Artunderscores the OMA's commitment to the art of our time and to supporting artists who live and work in our State.

For more information, please visit www.omart.org.

The exhibition opening Preview Party will be on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 6 - 9 pm. As in previous iterations, this highly popular ticketed event will feature a sampling of the culinary artistry of Central Florida’s most sensational caterers. Each offering will be inspired by one of the ten Florida Prizeartists.

This year’s participating caterers are Arthur’s Catering & Events, Cuisinier’s Catered Cuisine & Events, Foodie Catering, Oley’s Kitchen & Bar-B-Que, and Puff ‘n Stuff Catering.

The artist selected to receive the Prize will be announced at the opening party. Guests will have the opportunity to cast a "People's Choice" vote for their favorite artist, which includes a $2,500 award.

Funds from the event will support the Florida Prize exhibition and OMA education programs.

Tickets go on sale Thursday, April 4 at 2024FloridaPrize.eventbrite.com.

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