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To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Mandorla Art Award, the Mandorla Gallery was officially opened at the Old Trading Post in New Norcia WA – Australia’s only Monastic town.
The Mandorla Art Award is Australia’s most significant thematic Christian art prize, attracting some of the country’s finest artists since its inception in 1985. Held every two years, the contemporary fine art award invites artists to submit works in conversation with a Biblical text.
The Mandorla Gallery was officially opened on 11 October as part of the celebrations of the 40th Anniversary of the Art Award. Held within the Old Trading Post in New Norcia, Australia’s only Monastic town, the Gallery hosts every winning work from the Art Award since 1985.
The New Norcia Benedictine Community has always had a strong relationship with the Mandorla Art Award and so it was only fitting that Abbot and Patron of the Award, Father John Herbert OSB welcomed nearly 100 people who were present into the gallery with Chairperson Dr Angela McCarthy cutting the ribbon.
Assisted by Committee members Rev Ros Fairless and Mary Casotti, Father John led the blessing of the gallery space. Committee member, Dr Tania Watson provided an acknowledgement of country while Dr McCarthy spoke on the history of the Award and Mandorla’s wish to support artists throughout Australia in expressing the chosen biblical text and contributing to the cultural life of Australia.
A member of the founding Committee over 40 years ago, Connie Edwards, was able to attend the opening of the gallery, along with three of the previous winners and two curators of this national Award. Connie was thrilled to see the development from their original vision to this moment when the Mandorla gallery became a reality. Patrons Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and The University of Notre Dame Vice-Chancellor Professor Francis Campbell, also attended.
Helen Seiver, the inaugural recipient of the artist’s residency award, lives and works in the Old Trading Post at present and following the blessing and opening of the gallery was interviewed by current curator, Erin Coates. Helen is producing work that involves found objects and blue twine commonly used on local farms and to her delight, locals topped up her supply.
Members of the Lanigan family were also represented as their family ran the Old Trading Post for some time and it is very special to them all.
Thanks to the continued support of sponsors, including major sponsor St John of God Health Care, represented by the CEO of Midland Hospital Paul Dyer, the 2026 Art Award is now open for submissions until 18 February 2026.
In the lead up to the next Award, the gallery will serve as an inspiration for artists and visitors to the New Norcia Benedictine Community. The gallery is open twice daily when the tour groups are in operation.
