elliott_award - Morrison Polkinghorne

Mildura Arts Centre

Elliott Award 2025

for outstanding contribution to the arts

Mildura Arts & Culture Advisory Committee awarded the 2025 Elliott Award to Morrison Polkinghorne in recognition of his outstanding contribution to arts and culture in our region, particularly in Murrayville.

Since moving to the Mallee, Morrison has made a significant contribution to arts-based mental health initiatives in rural communities, particularly in the border community of Murrayville and Pinnaroo.

Morrison is an accomplished artist, a highly respected, generous, and active member of the community, whose creative leadership and dedication have and continues to make a lasting and meaningful impact.

Artist Morrison Polkinghorne was honoured last month (26 April) with the 2025 Elliott Award by the Mildura Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, in a ceremony held at Mildura’s Art Centre. This award annually honours a rural Victorian individual “whose significant impact on the arts might otherwise go unacknowledged,” explained gallery curator Antonette Zema. Established in 2004, the award acknowledges “those who have strengthened cultural life through dedication, leadership, and the nurturing of creative practice across generations,” Antonette continued.