The 40 Under 40 Exhibition & Art Prize is a group exhibition to be held at the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre in January 2024. This exhibition showcases a diverse range of young and emerging artists (aged 18 - 40), from the Noosa, Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions. Founded by Amanda Bennetts, the aim of this project is to build a community of young artists that previously felt they haven’t fit into the current art scene of the region, and give them the opportunity to connect with like-minded artists. After 3 successful years, it’s safe to say it has done just that!
Now in its fourth year, after taking a hiatus in 2023, the 40 Under 40 is back with a new captain for 2024! The exhibition will once again rock the walls of the Butter Factory as Jordan Neal takes the wheel. Back and better than ever, the exhibition will showcase 40 of the freshest artists under the age of 40 that the Sunshine Coast has to offer! Also returning are the art prizes, awarded to our region’s most promising young artists. And don’t think we forgot about the opening event with some killer bands and beers! Stay tuned for more details, and in the meantime, create some epic shit!
Amanda Bennetts, Noosa based Artist and curator created this project to bring together young professional and emerging artists in one exciting show. Bennetts came up with the idea after realising there were minimal opportunities for younger artists on the coast and admits that she also needed an excuse to meet all the cool young artists on the coast. Originally she considered the 30 Under 30 but realised at the time she would only have very few years left to participate so decided on the 40 Under 40 instead.
Amanda is excited for the future of the 40/40 - as she passes the project down to some younger folk as she approaches the mid- late-thirties/40 end of the 40/40’s age bracket. She will enjoy her retirement playing golf and indulging in phrases such as “Well, I could’ve done that” @ Contemporary Art.
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We are VERY excited to announce that the future of the 40/40 is in the capable hands of creative powerhouse Jordan Neal! She is an emerging interdisciplinary feminist artist and arts worker hailing from the better side of the Bruce in Nambour (Gubbi Gubbi/ Kabi Kabi Country). Her involvement in the 40/40 began as a bright-eyed volunteer at the Butter Factory in 2020, fresh out of uni with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from QUT. Her first fateful shift just happened to be on the opening night of the 40/40, and it's safe to say the booze, art, music and the giant congregation of youthful artists made Jordy fall in love! Jordan HAD to find a way to infiltrate the 40/40, and that she did! Now, not only does she work at the Butter Factory, but is the custodian of the 40/40, as Jordy has steps into the co-curator and project coordinator role!
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