CAPO patron Paul McDermott joined CAPO president Penny Jurkiewicz and leading members of the art community on Friday (July 7) night at CMAG to talk about the awards, which are now open for application.

Mr McDermott announced two new grant sponsors had joined the impressive lineup, with the Dixon Advisory Award offering $2000 and the Canberra Glassworks Award offering $1000 in materials or education.

Established in 1983 CAPO has supported local artists for over 30 years and the organisation has disbursed over $2 million as arts fellowships and awards through its unique model where support comes from the Canberra arts and business communities working together.

Goods and services, including cash awards, are donated to CAPO by Canberra businesses and collectible artworks by Canberra artists are exhibited in a curated exhibition opening on September 9 at the CMAG, which has hosted the event since 2013, then are sold at the annual CAPO auction.

Highlights among the awards are the CAPO Fellowship, the Rosalie Gascoigne Memorial Award supported by Bates and Pickering and the Robert Foster Memorial Award.

Applicants should be individuals or organisations within the Canberra region, not just the ACT, but applications from undergraduate students will not be accepted. All details on how to apply can be found at capo.org.au and must be submitted by 6pm on September 1. Bookings to “Puttin’ On The Glitz” also to capo.org.au