The exhibition will be at the Cessnock gallery from July 27 to September 11.

The Blake Prize was established in the 1950s by a Jesuit priest and a Jewish lawyer who hoped to encourage artists to create significant works of art with religious content.

It takes its name from William Blake, an artist who succeeded in integrating religious and artistic content in his work.

More than 60 years since it was founded, the Blake Prize is still one of the most respected, diverse and open-ended art prizes in Australia.

The Blake has a fascinating history and is well known for attracting a consistently high calibre of entrants and often controversy.

This year’s competition had 594 entries, and was taken out by Indian artist Yardena Kurulkar.

Finalists ranged from leading contemporary practitioners to emerging and self-taught artists.

The exhibition is toured by the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, a cultural facility of Liverpool City Council.

The Cessnock showing will be officially opened by the Reverend Michelle Hazel-Jawhary from the Anglican Parish of Cessnock on Saturday, July 30 at 5pm. All are welcome.

Meanwhile, the Cessnock gallery is preparing to host its inaugural Spring Art Fair, at Roche Estate’s Barrel Room from September 9 to 11 and the gallery from September 17 to 25.

A prize pool of $7750 is on offer. Entries are due by close of business August 12.