Some of Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) most inspiring visual arts talent was on full display at this year’s Clancy Religious Art Prize and Exhibition.

The opening night of the exhibition, held at the McGlade Gallery at the Australian Catholic University, saw the announcement of 19 individual and collaborative works winners, including the coveted Executive Director’s Award.

Tony Farley, Executive Director of SCS, selected Patrician Brothers College Fairfield Year 10 student Nelson Fasavalu’s stunning painting, Experienced, Encountered, Elevate, as this year’s award recipient.

The theme for this year’s Clancy Prize was ‘Pilgrimage, the inner and outer journey to seek transformation’, and invited students to reflect on the spiritual conversion that pilgrimage offers, and the way it can unlock, awaken and enrich our faith.  

The Clancy Prize was first launched in 1999 by Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal Edward Clancy, who recognised the importance of religious art as a powerful force in the service of humanity. 

Today, it’s open to all of Sydney Catholic Schools’ secondary students, offering them a chance to celebrate their connection to God and the Catholic tradition and to showcase their extraordinary talents in the visual arts.