Entries now open for Caloundra Friends of the Gallery Art Prize

Entries are now open for the inaugural Caloundra Friends of the Gallery Art Prize, Local Artists Local Content, which will showcase talented local artists and the beautiful Sunshine Coast region.

Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said that council had partnered with the Friends Regional Gallery Caloundra Inc. award and exhibition because it achieved an important synergy with council’s Sunshine Coast Art Prize - a local focus within a nationally recognised art competition.

“This partnership provides a significant opportunity for local artists to be showcased as a part of the nationally recognised Sunshine Coast Art Prize,” she said.

“The Local Artist Local Content art prize is an exciting opportunity for any current full-time resident of the Sunshine Coast working within any two dimensional (2D) medium.

“Works should depict events or scenes that can be identified as being “local” to the Sunshine Coast. These could include beach scenes, iconic buildings, hinterland scenes, landmarks, local flora and fauna or any other topic relevant to the Sunshine Coast.

“There is an attractive prize pool up for grabs totalling $6,250 which includes a People’s Choice award to be announced at 6pm on Friday 22 August 2014.

“Forty finalists will be announced on 19 May 2014 and their artworks will be exhibited at Caloundra Regional Gallery from 9 July to 24 August. All are welcome to attend the exhibition launch and winner presentation at 6pm on Wednesday 9 July.”

Caloundra Friends of the Gallery gratefully acknowledge the sponsors of the art prize including Fox Mildwaters Solicitors Caloundra and the Hon. Mark McArdle MP, Member for Caloundra.

The cost to enter is just $25 with online entries closing 5pm on 22 April 2014. For more details including conditions of entry, head to council’s gallery website.

The Friends of the Gallery Art Prize and Exhibition precedes the Sunshine Coast Art Prize, launch on 27 February at the Creative Alliance Art Dinner, Nambour Civic Centre. Applications for the Sunshine Coast Art Prize open nationally on 24 February 2014 and includes prizes to the value of $20,000.