Chapel Hill announces new Horizons Art Prize

In a celebration of McLaren Vale’s landscape and the vision of local artists, Chapel Hill will award a $5,000 cash prize to one South Australian artist.

McLaren Vale winery Chapel Hill has announced the inaugural Chapel Hill Horizons Art Prize. The $5,000 acquisitive art prize invites artists to interpret the local landscape and show their vision for its future. South Australian artists can submit their entries from 19 February to 14 July 2025.

The shortlisted works will be exhibited at Chapel Hill during this year’s South Australian Living Arts Festival (SALA), with the winning piece added to the winery’s permanent collection which is displayed all year round in the iconic winery chapel. The winning artist, who will receive a $5,000 cash prize, will be announced at the exhibition opening on Sunday 3 August.

The prize theme, ‘Horizons’ encourages artists to ‘explore the dual meaning of the word: both the physical line where the earth meets the sky and the symbolic concept of something that might be attained’. All artworks are asked to include a distinct horizon line to be featured in the exhibition.

Art has long been part of Chapel Hill’s identity. Chief Winemaker Michael Fragos, who this year is celebrating his 22nd vintage at Chapel Hill, is an avid visual art enthusiast and the walls of the winery’s onsite chapel are adorned with artworks for visitors to enjoy.

“Chapel Hill is defined by its spectacular surroundings. Every day we take inspiration from the beautiful landscape, the views back over McLaren Vale and the coast as well as the shimmering sunsets,” commented Fragos.

“Since hosting Adelaide Festival events at the winery in the 1970's, Chapel Hill has a long and proud history supporting artists. It is so exciting to now bring together all of these elements with our inaugural Horizons Art Prize,” continued Fragos.

SALA Festival CEO, Bridget Alfred commented, “We are thrilled to include the inaugural “Horizons Art Prize” exhibition in the 2025 SALA Festival, and welcome Chapel Hill Wines’ championing of South Australian artists and our fabulous SA culture. We encourage all eligible artists to enter and look forward to seeing the finalists in August!”

The competition will be judged by a panel of notable local and industry names, to be announced at a later date. The judges will take into account how the artist has responded to the brief, aesthetics, skill, and suitability of the artwork for longterm display in the chapel.

For more information and terms of entry visit: chapelhillwine.com.au/horizons-art-prize/