MELBOURNE.- Melbourne Art Fair announced that the inaugural YarraBend Stand Prize has been awarded to Sarah Cottier Gallery (Stand B6) for their outstanding presentation of artist Esther Stewart at Melbourne Art Fair 2018. The $5,000 Stand Prize recognises an exceptional gallery presentation, which showcases an innovative solo artist show or curated group presentation at the Fair’s 15th edition which ran from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 August 2018 in Southbank Arts Precinct.

“The team at YarraBend and I are very excited to be supporting the inaugural Stand Prize. As an avid collector, art is something close to my heart. It’s also something we’ve consciously weaved into the founding fabric of YarraBend. It’s imperative that like Melbourne Art Fair, we all do our bit to support Melbourne’s thriving arts scene and cultural vibrancy. The talent recognised at Melbourne Art Fair never disappoints, and this year is no expectation,” said Len Warson, Glenvill CEO and YarraBend Creative Director.

Sarah Cottier Gallery’s stand featured a solo exhibition of new works by Melbourne-based artist Esther Stewart. Commenting on the award, Sarah Cottier, Director said, “We are so thrilled that Esther Stewart’s extraordinary work has been recognised by the fair. Architectural considerations have always been a huge part of Esther’s work and she has designed an ingenious set of structures for the booth that allow for multiple discrete zones in which to display her complicated paintings and textile works.”

The prize was awarded during the Melbourne Art Fair Collector Preview on Wednesday 1 August by Len Warson, Chairman and CEO of Glenvill, and a jury of notable industry professionals including Natalie King, Enterprise Professor at Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, University of Melbourne; Mark Feary, Director of Gertrude Contemporary and Simon Wright, Assistant Director at Queensland Art Gallery.