The First Leasing Art Prize

The directors of First Leasing Australia Limited believe that an educated society should have the conscience to aid, stimulate and recognize the artist and his work. The First Leasing Art Prize is an expression of this belief.

It is hoped that the competition will:
Focus more public attention on Australian art and Australian artists particularly in Australia and North America.
Supply funds for leading artists to continue their studies at home and abroad.
Provide the stimulus and nation-wide recognition of groups of first-class paintings that will encourage established artists to undertake important work which otherwise may not have been created.

Judges:
Eric Westbrook, Director of the National Gallery of Victoria
Laurie Thomas, Art Critic and Author
Robin Boyd, F.R.A. I .A, Architect and National Gallery Trustee

FIRST PRIZE
Asher Bilu
SECOND PRIZE
Brett Whiteley
THIRD PRIZE
Jan Senbergs and Alun Leach-Jones (shared equally)

The prizes were presented by the Minister for Labour and National Service and Leader of the House, the Hon. B.M. Snedden, Q.C. M.P.
The exhibition opened in the Australian Section at the National Gallery of Victoria on September 21, 1970.

SOURCE: Exhibition catalogue, 1970