Artists Keen to Enter Awards
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
Social bookmarking
Member Profile
Central Otago ArtsCENTRAL OTAGO ARTS
The art roads of Central Otago branch through silent tracks and hidden byways. The region attracts artists the way it draws visitors to its wild and spectacular scenery and stunning unspoiled wilderness. Here, you’ll find painters, sculptors, glass artists, ceramic artists and photographers, fabric and textile artists, woodcarvers and furniture makers, metal workers and jewellers. You will also find a wealth of performance artists in music, dance and theatre and the literary arts.Founded in 2009, the Central Otago District Arts Trust (CODAT) is a regional non-profit organisation based in Central Otago that supports artists and the arts. They are committed to promoting the arts, cultivating emerging and established artists, and developing a diverse, creative community along with an on-line presence.
They believe that the arts are a vital part of our culture, one that unifies and inspires. An important part of their work, therefore, is to make Central Otago Arts as accessible as possible to artists, art-lovers, the general public and visitors to the region.
