The Mandorla Art Award was first held 30 years ago in 1985. Concern had been raised about the lack of quality Christian art in Australian churches and associated facilities. Since the early centuries, the Church has always sponsored artists to provide images that would touch the faithful and lead them to a deeper understanding of their beliefs and the Scriptures. The arts can do this more effectively than any other medium and so many churches, cathedrals, schools and hospitals are replete with images that move us towards God. The Mandorla Art Award seeks to encourage and support contemporary artists to express for us themes from Scripture. The theme for the 2016 Award is 'The Resurrection'. There are many Scriptural references to draw upon and we look forward to discussing this with artists intending to enter the Award. Artists' forums are being held throughout Australia to assist artists and our website will continue to build commentaries and relevant links and material. Archbishop Costelloe launched the Award for us on 4 February 2015 and his address is available on our website. The finalists are chosen by an expert panel which includes a theologian and then a further panel of national judges selects the winners. There is a $42,000 prize pool which includes the winner, two highly commended awards and a people's choice award. Following the exhibition (which is held in Perth), a selection of the finalists will tour St John of God Hospitals and then go to New Norcia Monastery Gallery for a further exhibition. The artworks are then returned to the artists or to those who have purchased the works. The winning artwork is held in New Norcia Monastery Gallery with the previous winners of the Award. The full collection is on view at the Gallery from March 2015 until early 2016.