One of the most anticipated art prizes on the Sunshine Coast opens for entries tomorrow – the Local Artists – Local Content 2020 Art Prize.
Now in its sixth year, the popular art prize is open to any artist living on the Sunshine Coast with individual submissions required to reflect the Sunshine Coast – lifestyle, environment, landscape, people, animals or anything that depicts our beautiful region.
In its sixth year, the art prize is presented by Friends Regional Gallery Caloundra Inc., in conjunction with Caloundra Regional Gallery, and offers a prize pool totaling $13,500.
Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the Local Artists - Local Content Art Prize was a fascinating snapshot of some of the latest work form local artists.
"The Friends Regional Gallery Caloundra have done a fantastic job working with our gallery staff to create this art prize specifically for our local artists to examine and celebrate this region, and in six short years it has become a significant exhibition on the Sunshine Coast's arts calendar," Cr Baberowski said.
"What's so important is that this art prize and finalist exhibition encourages local artists to produce new work focussing on something they find intriguing about the Sunshine Coast. Being selected as a finalist in the prize can be an important step in developing an artist's body of work and reputation."
Friends Regional Gallery Caloundra president Marie Pigott said the Local Artists - Local Content Art Prize gave talented local artists an opportunity to showcase their skills in a regional gallery.
"Through the art prize we are providing an opportunity for our local artist to be recognised by the Sunshine Coast community and to achieve a possible sale of their work," Ms Pigott said.
"Thanks to support from our wonderful sponsors, we have a prize pool of $13,500, including $5000 for the Best of Show winner.
"We have also changed the categories this year so there will be three awards for excellence across any medium, so whether you are an experienced artist or first time entrant I encourage all local artists to submit a work."
Entries in the Local Artists–Local Content 2020 Art Prize are eligible to be considered for:
Best of Show: $5000 prize, sponsored by Mary Henzell Investments Pty
Excellence Award: $2000 prize, sponsored by Mark and Judy McArdle
Excellence Award: $2000 prize, sponsored by Mark and Judy McArdle
Excellence Award: $2000 prize, sponsored by Mark and Judy McArdle and Friends Regional Gallery Caloundra
Best Three-Dimensional: $2000 prize, sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council
People's Choice Award: $500 prize, sponsored by Geoff Lyons Solicitors
Entries close on October 4, 2019.
Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance president, Phil Smith will judge the Local Artists–Local Content 2020 Art Prize.
Up to 40 finalists will be included in an exhibition to be held at Caloundra Regional Gallery from January 16 - March 1, 2020.
Winners will be announced at the gala exhibition opening on Friday, January 17, 2020 at Caloundra Regional Gallery.
