Mackay’s prestigious Art on Show Awards has been saved from the brink of closure, thanks to the backing of Craig Percival, CEO of Woollam Constructions. Craig has stepped in as the major sponsor to ensure the beloved event continues to celebrate and support local artists.
In its nineteenth year, the Awards is being hosted by the Mackay Art Society for the very first time. The Art Society is a not-for-profit organisation completely run by its members, twelve of whom have volunteered to organise this very significant exhibition.
The Art on Show Awards, a highlight on Mackay’s cultural calendar, has long provided a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their talent. When the future of the event became uncertain, Woollam stepped forward, reinforcing its commitment to the region—not just in construction but in community, creativity, and culture.
“The arts are a vital part of any thriving community,” said Craig Percival, Managing Director Woollam Constructions.
“When we heard the event was at risk, we knew we had to do something.
“Woollam has a long history in Mackay, and supporting initiatives like this is part of who we are.”
The Awards will return in 2025 with the Opening of the Artists Entry Form on Monday, 14 April.
This year entries will be online only and can be found on the Mackay Art Society Website. The event will also attract visitors and art lovers across the region, bringing renewed energy to the local arts scene.
Local and interstate artists have welcomed the revival, with many expressing gratitude for Woollam’s support.
“Having a business like Woollam step in to keep this event alive means so much to us,” said Ben Ranson, President of the Mackay Art Society.
“It’s more than just an art competition, it’s a chance for artists to share their work with the wider community and feel valued for what we do.”
The renewed event offers $10,000 in prizes across 4 categories with an overall prize of $3,000, ensuring that the Awards continue to grow and inspire the next generation of artists.
With Woollam’s and the sponsorship of seventeen other local businesses, the Woollam Art on Show Awards is set to remain a centrepiece of Mackay’s creative community, proving that when business and the arts come together, incredible things can happen.
Ben Ranson, President of Mackay Art Society with artist Jan Cunningham and Woollam Constructions' CEO Craig Percival.
Woollam Constructions' CEO Craig Percival steps in as major sponsor, saving Mackay’s Art on Show Awards and ensuring its continued celebration of local artists. Photos supplied
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