About our Salon des Refusés/Exhibition of the Refused

Please join Derwent Valley Arts for the inaugural launch of our own Salon Des Refusés/Exhibition of the Refused: an exhibition of exceptional works drawn from outside the finalists of this year’s Bridge Art Prize.

OPENING

Saturday 31 October from 3pm

$1000 People’s Choice Award

Where: The Bush Inn, New Norfolk
51 Montagu Street, New Norfolk

What is the Salon des Refusés?

The concept dates back to Paris in 1863, when the official, ultra-conservative Paris Salon jury rejected thousands of avant-garde artworks. In response, Emperor Napoleon III ordered a separate exhibition—the Salon des Refusés (Exhibition of the Refused)—so the public could judge the art for themselves. While initially controversial, it featured masterpieces by artists like Édouard Manet and Paul Cézanne, ultimately breaking the academy's monopoly and launching the Impressionist movement.

Today, our Salon des Refusés carries on this proud tradition. It celebrates the incredible depth of talent entered into the Bridge Art Prize, proving that high-quality, thought-provoking art exists far beyond what a single judging panel can select.