Central Coast Council’s Gosford Art Prize will be accepting online entries this year to ensure all COVID-safe processes are followed.
Since the prestigious competition began 50 years ago, this is the first time that the finalists will be selected from online submissions.
The competition prize pool is $25,000, with the winner receiving $15,000.
Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said that more than 500 artists from across Australia are expected to enter the competition.
“The Gosford Art Prize and the exhibition of the finalists’ work is always a highlight, and we are thrilled that we are able to proceed with the competition in what has been a challenging year, to say the least,” Vaughan said.
“We have to do things a little differently this year, and artists competing in the prize will need to submit digital images of their works online.
“Only selected finalists will be asked to deliver their physical work, and we will proceed with the Gosford Art Prize exhibition as in previous years.
“The Gosford Art Prize is a Central Coast institution and supports local artists and artists from across the country.”
Mayor Lisa Matthews said the cultural and economic benefits of the Gosford Art Prize were significant.
“Art brings us together, inspires us and challenges us, and in 2020 the Gosford Art Prize is more important than ever,” Cr Matthews said.
“Approximately 24,000 people will visit the Gosford Art Prize exhibition at the Gosford Regional Gallery, and 40 per cent of visitors will come from outside our region, which represents a great tourism boost for the Coast.”
To be accepted, applications must include a high-quality photo of the art piece.
The entry form can be found on the Central Coast Council website and should be submitted between August 1 and August 30.
Finalists will be announced on September 4, with exhibition of finalists’ work to be on show at Gosford Regional Gallery September 26-November 29.
Source:
Media Release Jul 29
Central Coast Council