Central Coast Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery has announced Madi Feist as the winner of Emerging 2025 for her artwork BAG LADY - a playful and poignant installation examining femininity, cultural and social identity.

This year’s judge, renowned Sydney curator Sebastian Goldspink, praised the calibre and diversity of shortlisted works. Goldspink described Feist’s installation as innovative and accessible to audiences, with a sense of humour and pathos that bodes well for the future of Australian art.

Since 2023, Central Coast Council’s Emerging biennial art award has nurtured early career artists aged 18-30 across New South Wales.

Director of Gosford Regional Gallery, Tim Braham said Emerging Award is a platform for young creatives to launch their practice and connect with a wider audience.

“We’re proud to support artists at this early, vital stage of their journey,” Mr Braham said.

“This is the second time, Maddi Feist has been part of our program, she grew up on the Central Coast and was also selected to represent Lisarow High School in our annual exhibition A Central Vision.

“The calibre of work we’re seen this year is exceptional and it’s a clear reflection of the powerful ideas and talent coming from our next generation of artists.

"The year’s entries spanned across drawing, painting, performance, sculpture, textiles, and video tackling an array of subject matter and cross-cultural issues. The award reflects how inclusive and diverse our artistic community has become and how important it is to nurture every creative medium,” Mr Braham said.

This year Emerging received over 70 applicants with 8 exceptional works selected as finalists.

Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Emerging Artist Award reflects the Council’s commitment to early career local artists and the cultural economy.

“The Emerging Artist Award reinforces our regional gallery’s commitment to nurturing artistic growth and creating opportunities for young people to be seen, celebrated and supported within our cultural community,” Mayor McKinna said.

“The Emerging art prize offers $5,000 to support an early career artist. Investing in young artists means investing in our region’s future vibrancy and keeps our gallery dynamic, relevant, and connected to the creative life of our community.”

Emerging 2025 at Gosford Regional Gallery closes 3 August. Entry is free.

Plan your visit at gosfordregionalgallery.com

ENDS