The Australian Cartoonists' Association (ACA) is the Australian professional cartoonists' organisation and was established on 17 July 1924 as the Society of Australian Black and White Artists. It was the first association of newspaper artists in the world.[1]
It soon became The Black and White Artists Society; and, by 1938, its name had been changed to The Black and White Artists Club.[2] By 1939, it had a sketching division and an etching division.[3]
In 2024, a collection of artworks were put on display in the exhibit "A Century of Satire" at State Library of New South Wales to celebrate 100 years since the Black & White Artists Club began.[4]
First clubrooms
The Association's first clubrooms were at 250 George Street, Sydney.[5]
Founding members
Founding members were Reg Russom, Unk White, Syd Nicholls, Jack Quayle, John Wiseman, Jack Baird, Joe Jonsson, Cyril Samuels, Frank Jessop, Brodie Mack, Mick Paul, Harry J Weston, Jack Waring, Syd Miller, Arthur Mailey, F H Cumberworth, Fred Knowles and Cecil Hartt, who was elected president.[6][7]
The Stanley Awards are issued annually by the Australian Cartoonists' Association and recognise the best of Australian cartoonists and cartooning.
Gold Stanley Award
The ACA's ultimate credit to a cartoonist is the Gold Stanley Award (named after Australian cartoonist Stan Cross, who was a longtime president of the ACA).[2]
The Jim Russell Award, formerly the Silver Stanley Award, (named after Australian cartoonist Jim Russell), given to individuals or organisations who, in the opinion of the ACA Board, has made a significant contribution to Australian cartooning.[9][failed verification]
