Image credit: Andrew Rovenko, The Rocketgirl, digital photograph, OptiKA 2022
OptiKA is a photography award that invites creatives of all ages and skill levels to interpret a theme and submit a photograph.
Visit Kingston Arts Centre and immerse yourself in a collection of captivating photographs from OptiKA 2024 that show the inspiration fuelling each photographer's imagination. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply curious, this exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the vibrant photography community and see award-winning works up close. Make sure to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award which closes Saturday 9 November.
The 2024 theme "Inspiration: What ignites your passion?" encouraged entrants to show what drives their creativity and imagination.
The OptiKA 2024 exhibition is at G1 and G2 Galleries, Kingston Arts Centre from Wednesday 9 October to Saturday 9 November.
About OptiKA
Now in its 15th year, OptiKA is an award presented by Kingston Arts that is dedicated to championing expression through photography.
Entry was free and open to all Victorians generous prize pool of $9,000 was awarded to finalists.
Entries for OptiKA 2024 are now closed. A big thank you to everyone who participated! To see all of the entries visit the OptiKA 2024 Facebook gallery.
OptiKA 2024 award recipients
Adult Open Award (Co-Winner)
Robert Wengritzky, Dune Rising
Adult Open Award (Co-Winner)
Mark Forbes, No running on the pool deck
Adult Local Award
Matt Harvey, Lunette
Youth Open Award
Elliott F. Sinchak
Youth Local Award
Steph G. Dancing in the Waves
People's Choice Award
Travis de Valle, Aurora Dreaming
Prizes
- Adult Open Entry Award: $5,000
- Youth Open Entry Award (under 16 years): $500
- Adult Local Entry Award: $2,000
- Youth Local Entry Award (under 16 years): $500
- People's Choice Award: $1,000
Further information
OptiKA 2024 Terms and Conditions
OptiKA 2024 FAQs
Awards ceremony
The OptiKA Awards Ceremony and Exhibition Opening celebrated all participants and announced the winning photographers at the Kingston Arts Centre on Wednesday 9 October at 6PM.
ACCESS
G1 and G2 Galleries are wheelchair accessible and accessible toilets are available.
2024 CURATORIAL COMMITTEE
Sarah Morris
Sarah Morris, Kingston Arts Visual Arts Coordinator, has over 20 years of experience working as an arts professional in the public, independent, and government sectors. She has also worked with PHOTO 2022 International Festival of Photography and the Centre of Contemporary Photography.
Kym Griffiths
Kym Griffiths is an Australian photographer and artist with over 25 years of experience in the creative industries. Starting as an award-winning wedding and portrait photographer, Kym co-founded the photography conference Refocus Retreat in 2015 to provide women in photography a supportive space for growth. What began as a small gathering has blossomed into a world-class photography event, running 35 workshops and keynotes over four days, attracting over 80 attendees in 2023. Kym's passion for empowering women in the industry shines through every aspect of Refocus Retreat, fostering genuine connections and inspiring creativity.
Nathaniel Stewart
Nathaniel Stewart is an alternative artist who explores the realm of analogue-digital fusion, multi-sensory design, and visually expressive experiences. He began his artistic journey taking photographs and utilising different design mediums, which later led him into the realm of mixed media and video synthesis. Some of Nathaniel's works include projections for some of Australia’s leading festivals, such as Strawberry Fields and Pitch Festival, as well as other activations like the Daniel Johns exhibition held in Melbourne.
Nathaniel continually expands his artistry through organic generative video synthesis, creative installations, video production, immersive space curation, graphic design, and emotive-driven experiences. He embraces new-age mediums and various emerging technologies to explore naturalistic optical intricacies, digital and analogue fusion, the disposition of emerging technologies, and immersive innovation.
Gerard Melder
Gerard Melder is the owner of 26 Advantage Art Gallery and Mulbury Sustainable Timber Picture Framing. He has a passion for art and has worked in the art and framing industry for over 35 years. His business, Mulbury Sustainable Timber Picture Framing, uses only reclaimed Australian hardwood timbers to handcraft picture frames right here in Melbourne which has saved approximately 284,000 lineal meters of timber from going to landfill.