Sunshine Coast artists have been invited to enter a special competition, with prizemoney and regional exposure on offer as reward.
The Local Artists – Local Content 2021 Art Prize is expected to be well-contested, in its seventh year.
The Friends Regional Gallery, Caloundra, in partnership with the Caloundra Regional Gallery, is inviting artists to submit 2D and 3D works that speak to what makes our region special.
The competition is open to all artists living on the Sunshine Coast and it generally attracts hundreds of entries.
A total prize package of $13,500 is on offer, including $5000 for Best of Show. Meanwhile, ttop 40 will be selected to go on exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery from March 19 to May 2, while
Sunshine Coast Council Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the competition was a great opportunity to showcase outstanding local artists.
“Each year I really enjoy the anticipation of seeing the new artworks produced by an exceptional pool of talent we have right here on the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
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“For the artists, this is not just a competition with a prize pool, it’s a reason to show or produce new work, which can push them into new subjects’ techniques or form.
“They are acutely aware it’s a competitive showcase of talent and has high curatorial standards.
“Those standards are a healthy pressure on everyone involved.
“The artists also deeply understand the value of being included in a regional gallery showcase exhibition with the high reputation that Caloundra is continuing to build upon.”
Councillor Baberowski said the region’s “developing art scene” was making an impact.
“(It) is increasingly valuable to our cultural identity, our economy, our environment and I applaud the Friends, Regional Gallery, Caloundra Inc. for continuing to make such a heartfelt contribution to the Sunshine Coast.”
Entry information
Entries for the Local Artists – Local Content Art Prize 2021 are open until January 15, with finalists announced early February.
Entries in the Local Artists – Local Content 2021 Art Prize are eligible to be considered for:
Best of Show: $5000 prize, sponsored by Mary Henzell Investments Pty Ltd
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 Inc.
Best Three-Dimensional: $2000 prize, sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council
People’s Choice Award: $500 prize, sponsored by Geoff Lyons Solicitors Pty Ltd
To be considered for selection, entrants must comply with all entry instructions and conditions.
Previous winners can be found at gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Art-Prizes.Local-Artists-Local-Content/Previous-Winners
