Open Studios Awards

Celebrating Artistic Excellence in the Dandenong Ranges

At Burrinja, we believe in recognising the exceptional talent within our artistic community. The Open Studios program isn't just about visiting studios; it's about celebrating the creativity that thrives in the hills.

We are proud to present two prestigious awards during the Open Studios event: the Swinburne Visual Arts Innovation Award and the People's Choice Award. These honors highlight the dedication, skill, and unique perspectives of our participating artists.

Swinburne Visual Arts Innovation Award

Presented in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology

Innovation is at the heart of artistic growth. Each year, our partners at Swinburne University of Technology (Wantirna Campus) select one standout artist from the Dandenong Ranges Open Studios group exhibition to receive this distinguished award.

The Criteria
This award recognises an artist who is truly pushing the envelope. The judges look for artwork that demonstrates:

Innovation: Fresh approaches to traditional methods.
Boundary-Breaking Concepts: Work that challenges the status quo of medium or concept.
Technical Excellence: A high standard of execution and vision.

Award Presentation
Join us to celebrate the winner at the official opening event for the Continuum exhibition.

Date: Thursday, March 12
Presenter: A representative from Swinburne University

We extend our sincere thanks to Swinburne University for their continued contribution and support of local arts innovation.

People's Choice Award

Have Your Say

Art is subjective, and we want to know what speaks to you. The People's Choice Award is entirely decided by the visitors of the Dandenong Ranges Open Studios.

How to Vote
As you explore the group exhibition, take note of the pieces that resonate with you most.

Visit the Continuum group exhibition.
Cast your vote for your favourite artwork.
Stay tuned as we count the votes after the event concludes.

The winner will be notified once all votes are tallied. Want to be the first to know who wins? Make sure you are following our social channels for the official announcement!

Join the Celebration

Don't miss the chance to see these incredible works in person and support the artists who make our region so vibrant.

Plan you visit today!

Trish Campbell

Swinburne Visual Arts Innovation Award - 2025 'Chrysalis' Exhibition Winner

‘Chrysalis of War’ ‘The Chrysalis cradles dissolving form. In its midst, loss and destruction. Our world is in the midst of changing times - war, cultural displacement, persecution, oppression, suffering, death. Yet whispers of hope remain. I combine different techniques and imagery inspired by times of injustice -The Berlin Wall, Mexican border crosses, bombing carnage, Indigenous country. Destruction births the seeds of resolve, hope, freedom, rebirth and survival.’

William Holt

Swinburne Visual Arts Innovation Award - 2024 'Glimpse' Exhibition Winner

William Holt ‘Eminent’ ‘Through harnessing a paint lead instinct and intuitive aesthetic, the pigment spreads across the surface of the canvas undulating through its chosen course, eventually finding a new purpose within the emerging compositions and unique forms reminiscent of those found in our natural world.’

Macarena Ocea

Swinburne Visual Arts Innovation Award - 2023 'Transcend' Exhibition Winner

Macarena Ocea ‘The Emancipation of the Body’ ‘The BODY as the principal limitation. It does not transcend and will not last. The limitation of the image, recreating an impossible standard for humanity. The emancipation of the body, the limitless freedom. The future and the past surrounding our present free of comparison. What transcends is the love, the memories, the ethereal imprint of your creations.’

Emily Lowe

People’s Choice Award - 2025 'Chrysalis' Exhibition Winner

Emily Lowe ‘Held in Armour’ ‘With only 615 breeding pairs remaining, the Tasmanian Masked Owl is one of 188 (1 in 6) Australian bird species to be considered threatened due to habitat loss. May these transformed, salvaged paint tubes and pallets serve as the embodiment of a true chrysalis to armour this endangered, sacred species.’

Emily Lowe

People’s Choice Award - 2024 'Glimpse' Exhibition

Emily Lowe ‘The Regent Honeyeater’ ‘A glimpse into the world of the critically endangered Regent Honey-eater. Once primary pollinators of Iron-bark gums, there are only 300 left today. By encapsulating this moment in time, I want to not only draw attention to its beauty and significance but provide a glimpse of hope for its conservation.’

Emily Lowe

People’s Choice Award - 2023 'Transcend' Exhibition

Emily Lowe ‘Trickling Tranquillity’ ‘Water transcends through the landscape, carrying life and holding light. It nurtures the tallest trees to the microscopic mosses. Dynamic and ever adapting, water captures perfectly distorted reflections of its surroundings whilst in motion. Water will continue to transcend nature through time’