Mid West Art Prize paints town red in Chapman Road party

A busy stretch of Chapman Road will be closed for most of Saturday as preparations ramp up for the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery’s signature exhibition.

The 2021 Mid West Art Prize is being celebrated under the stars this year with a street party from the corner of Durlacher Street and Chapman Road down to the Murchison Tavern.

More than 60 short-listed artworks will be on show inside the GRAG on opening night, but celebrations will spill out on to the street in a showcase of live music, local food and drink.

Three judges are flying up from Perth to judge the 63 finalists, with the winners in five award categories to be announced on Saturday night.

Traffic will be closed between Durlacher Street and Cathedral Avenue from 5am on Saturday to 1am on Sunday, with motorists having to take detours around the usually bustling intersection.

The area has been a source of public controversy for several months following the implementation of a year-long pilot program that has turned the section of road into a more “pedestrian-friendly” space.

Businesses in the area will have access to their premises until 3pm before the road closes to all traffic.

Armstrong Street will also be closed to traffic from 3pm.