Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre (CPAC), host of The Blake Prize, has announced the finalists for The 65th Blake Prize. One of Australia’s longest standing and most prestigious prizes which encourages conversation about spirituality and religion through art.The Blake Prize is widely respected for attracting artists from a diverse range of backgrounds and ages. Finalists range from leading contemporary practitioners to emerging and self-taught artists. This year there were 769 entries from artists hailing from Belgium, Germany, Greece, Norway, United States and United Kingdom and from every Australian state and territory. 80 finalists have been selected for final judging and exhibition from 12 May – 1 July at CPAC.From these finalists the winner of the $35,000 Blake Prize will be announced at the exhibition launch on 19 May 6-9pm.In addition CPAC will also offer The Emerging Artist Award, an acquisitive prize of $6,000 and the Blake Residency program, a one-month residency at CPAC and a solo exhibition.