Artists are reminded there are only weeks left to enter Bundaberg Art Prize 2020 as submissions close on 30 October.
In its inaugural year Bundaberg Art Prize had more than 450 works from 250 different artists exhibited in the Bundaberg CBD.
Bundaberg Art Prize 2020 president Phil Oakley said the Bundaberg Region was full of remarkable artists and he hoped they would take the time to enter their work in this year’s competition.
“I’m know we have some truly amazing artists here,” Phil said.
“Last year we saw an influx of entries in the last week – actually 50 per cent came in then, and I expect the same this year.”
Phil said this year creativity around the world had increased, possibly because of more people staying home and having free time on their hands during COIVD-19.
Locally, he hoped those who had taken the time to be creative would consider entering Bundaberg Art Prize 2020.
Bundaberg Art Prize 2020 has four sections, with a major prize of $10,000 and an emerging artist award that is giving to an artist under the age of 26.
Phil said the artistic strength of young artists in the Bundaberg Region was astonishing, and he had witnessed brilliant pieces of art created by many high school students.
“At a high school level, the art that is produce here is amazing,” he said.
“I hope some of these young artists take the opportunity to enter their work, and it might spark something in them to stay within an arts career in the future.”
Tim Gruchy to judge Bundaberg Art Prize 2020
This year’s judging will take place on 12 November, the day before opening and award night on 13 November.
Bundaberg-raised artist Tim Gruchy will have the difficult task of choosing only one major prize winner.
Tim grew up in Bundaberg during the 1960s and 1970s going to both Bundaberg West State School and Bundaberg State High School.
He has exhibited his artwork around the world and is also distinguished Professor at Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts and Adjunct Research Professor, University of South Australia.
Phil said he approached Tim at his exhibition at Bundaberg Regional Art Galleries earlier this year, and Tim said he would be delighted to return to Bundaberg to take part in the highly anticipated regional art competitions.
Entry forms for Bundaberg Art Prize 2020 can be collected from Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery or Art Plus on Electra Street or online here.
