A new chapter in contemporary Australian art is unfolding at Rippon Lea Estate with the launch of the Ripper Art Prize 2025
Presented by Gallery Jones in partnership with Milieu Property and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), this exciting new art award invites Australian artists to explore the theme “Leisure and Pleasure”—a reflection on the many ways we experience joy, relaxation, and contentment.
Set against the backdrop of Rippon Lea Estate, a grand 19th-century mansion surrounded by lush gardens, the Ripper Art Prize encourages artists to draw inspiration from this historic setting. Whether through cultural, social, or deeply personal perspectives, entrants are invited to express what leisure and pleasure mean in their unique artistic language.
With a $10,000 prize and the opportunity to exhibit in a six-week show, the Ripper Art Prize is poised to become one of Australia’s premier contemporary art awards. Open to both emerging and established artists, all shortlisted works will be available for purchase, providing a platform for collectors and art lovers to discover and support new talent.
Key Dates
- Entries Open: 7 December 2024
- Entries Close: 7 March 2025
- Shortlisted Artists Notified: 14–15 March 2025
- Exhibition Dates: 3 April – 15 May 2025 (Exhibition at Gallery Jones)
Judging Panel
A distinguished panel of judges will select the finalists, bringing together expertise across curation, art law, and artistic practice:
Alana Kushnir
Alana is an art lawyer, advisor and curator based in Melbourne, Australia. In addition to being the Founder and Director of Guest Work Agency and Guest Club, she is the Principal Investigator of the Serpentine’s Legal Lab, which investigates legal issues and prototyping accessible legal solutions for the arts technologies field. She is also a Board Director of the Jewish Museum of Australia, an arbitrator for the Court of Arbitration for Art (CAfA) and a member of the Art, Cultural Institutions and Heritage Law Committee of the International Bar Association.
Duro Jovicic
Duro Jovicic works full time in the corporate sector and is a freelance writer based in Melbourne. He holds an MIB (Master of International Business) from The University of Swinburne and has recently commenced an Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing at RMIT. Duro is a lifelong patron of the arts and writes for magazines such as Imprint, Art Guide Australia, Art Edit, The Journal of Australian Ceramics and Art Collector.
Sophie Perez
Sophie Perez is a British-born artist who graduated with an MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art, London, in 2003. Now based on the Mornington Peninsula in Australia, her work draws inspiration from the surrounding landscapes and everyday life, using paint to convey their narratives, history, and atmosphere. A celebrated finalist in the Mosman Art Prize, Paddington Art Prize, and Lethbridge Art Prize, Sophie is represented by Australian Galleries, showcasing her evocative and textured landscapes across the country.
About Gallery Jones
Located in Ripponlea Village, Gallery Jones is an independent space dedicated to showcasing contemporary art and fostering creative connections. Inspired by Louisa Jones, a passionate arts advocate and former owner of Rippon Lea Estate, the gallery continues her legacy by supporting emerging and mid-career artists.
Be Part of the Inaugural Ripper Art Prize
Artists are encouraged to visit Rippon Lea Estate, immerse themselves in its tranquil beauty, and craft works that respond to the theme. Whether capturing fleeting moments of joy or contemplating the deeper essence of fulfilment, the Ripper Art Prize offers a prestigious platform to share your artistic vision.
For full details and entry information, visit Gallery Jones website.