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ENTRIES are now open for the Bendigo Art Gallery\u2019s Arthur Guy Memorial Painting Prize, with the winning painting set to join other significant works of contemporary Australian art in the gallery\u2019s permanent collection.<\/p>\n
Gallery curator Clare Needham said artists at the beginning of their career, as well as those whose creative practice is well established, are encouraged to enter the competition with a first prize of $50,000.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s with no limitations on theme, subject or painting style.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor example, an artist painting their local landscape can enter alongside an artist painting photo-realistic portraits, as well as an artist exploring abstraction or disrupting established conventions,\u201d Ms Needham said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis prestigious prize attracts a breadth of entries from right across the country who work with the medium of paint and approach the field of painting in very different ways.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe judging panel will be looking for unique works of excellence and distinction.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Needham said while the significant cash prize for the winner provides \u201cvital financial support\u201d, just by entering artists are able to bring their work to the attention of the judges, and the exposure from being included in the finalist exhibition can lead to further opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no doubt that winning can be a significant boost to an artist\u2019s career and profile, but the opportunity to be selected as a finalist and have your work on display alongside your peers is also substantial,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis kind of exposure, acknowledgment and access to broad audiences is often as much a motivation for artists than the potential of winning.\u201d<\/p>\n