Entries are now open for the inaugural Central Otago Art Awards which are being held in September/October of this year. The Central Otago District Arts Trust is now accepting submissions for this nationwide, juried exhibition
Entries are now open for the inaugural Central Otago Art Awards which are being held in September/October of this year. The Central Otago District Arts Trust is now accepting submissions for this nationwide, juried exhibition
“Already I've had heaps of artists ringing and emailing for an entry form since the word got out and now at last I can point them in the right direction. It took longer than expected to make it all happen but now things are right on track,” says Central Otago art coordinator Maxine Williams.
She has been busy preparing advertisements to go in newspapers and magazines nationwide. She's also created a Facebook page for the event and has added an Art Awards page to the www.centralotagoarts.com website so that artists can apply online or download an entry form.
Ms Williams is also excited to announce that two renowned judges are now confirmed for the event. “I think we have two of the best art adjudicators in the country. Elizabeth Caldwell and Jim Geddes are directors of two of the most respected art galleries in the South Island - Dunedin Public Art Gallery and the Eastern Southland Gallery in Gore, (home of the famous John Money collection)."
“Hopefully with our highly qualified judges and the great prize money we will attract a high calibre of entries," Ms Williams said. “Artists will have to get their skates on though, as entries close on 9 August; that gives them two months to come up with something really special” she added.
The Central Otago Art Awards aims to seek and celebrate the finest artisans this country has to offer and the competition is open to all New Zealand residents aged 18-years and over. Artists are invited to submit their best art work to the esteemed selection panel and can be guaranteed the highest level of exposure and recognition. Eligible entries include all mediums, excluding video and installations. All work must be the original work of the applicant, be suitable for gallery installation and be available for sale.
Plans for a gala opening night to acknowledge the significance of the awards is under way with a VIP Art Awards Evening to be held on Thursday 8 September at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery, Alexandra. Art award winners will be announced by the judges, along with guest speakers, beautiful Central Otago wine, finger food, live music, poetry readings by renowned local poets and exciting giveaways.
Deadline for entries is before 5pm 9 August 2011. All the best New Zealand artists should enter here: www.centralotagoarts.com