Art comp open for partnered projects

CREATIVES both local and abroad are being invited to come together as part of a new arts competition aimed at fostering collaboration.

Called the Infuse Art Prize 2024, the contest is open for joint artistic works and has been created by ceramicist Ruby Pilven who said the aim is to foster creative connection.

“It’s to get artists working in 2D, 3D or otherwise to make an artwork, to bring them together to infuse their skills and inspire each other and the community,” she said.

“Collaborating is such a great experience that I’ve had many times as an artist and I think normally exhibitions are just about look at this one artist but imagine having, for example, a printmaker and a potter together.

“I’ve collaborated before with my mum and dad, and artists Madeleine Cruise and Thomas Lineker, and I’m a teacher too so I’m constantly collaborating with students.”

The competition’s concept came to Pilven after working on a pottery piece with ceramicist Koji Hoashi.

Successfully submitted works are set to be exhibited at Pilven’s Ross Creek Gallery from Friday 6 December until Sunday 22 December, with the winners announced on opening night by head judge and Art Gallery of Ballarat curator Julie McLaren.

Applications are open now until Friday 25 October with the winning artists to receive $3000 in prize money much of which has been donated by local businesses.

Pilven said collaboration will play a key role in the judging process.

“Aesthetics and skills will be involved in the judging but there’s also going to be a key element on the collaboration,” she said.

“It’s pretty open. As long as both people have had their ideas expressed and hands touching the work. It could even be one person’s idea and another’s done more of it, but it won’t be strict.”

An entry form for the Infuse Art Prize can be completed via Pilven’s website.