THE Mornington Peninsula Contemporary Art Prize is preparing for its opening night at the Cook Street Collective in Flinders on 31 October. The exhibition, now in its second year, runs through to 23 November, showcasing an exciting and diverse collection of works form artists across the region and beyond.
The Cook Street Collective was launched in 2011 and has become an important and highly regarded player on the Mornington Peninsula arts scene supporting talented local artists. Its team of four co-directors Neil Williams, Julie Hocking, Jennifer Buntine and Liz Walker also curate monthly exhibitions by artists from Victoria, New South Wales and beyond in the venue’s popular Blackroom Gallery.
The event is an annual art prize run by artists, for artists, and this year finalists explore the theme of reflection. Liz Walker said the theme invited depth “both in what we see and what lies beneath offering artists the chance to interpret the idea in deeply personal and varied ways”.
A total of 32 artists were selected for the 2025 prize, with entries working in a variety of mediums from painting, drawing, printmaking, textiles and ceramics. “With an increased prize pool, the opportunity for a three-week solo exhibition and a People’s Choice award, the 2025 prize promises to be an exciting and inspiring event,” said Walker. “Come along and support the many local artists who were selected as finalists this year.”
Gallery opening times will be extended while the event takes place. Updates will be available through the event’s website at www.mpcap.au and social media channels. All other times by appointment.
The Cook Street Collective is located at 41 Cook St, Flinders. The gallery is open Friday to Monday 10am-4pm with the official opening celebration on 31 October 5pm-7pm.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 22 October 2025
