THIS year’s Escape ARTfest is shaping up to be the biggest ever, with an unprecedented level of prizes on offer in a wide range of events.
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The ARTfest organisers have already put together more than $18,000 in prize funds to be distributed across 16 competitions during the event from September 19 to October 5, along with $5000 in Fast Forward funds which go directly back to local artists.
Festival coordinator Julie Sydneham said the record level of prizemoney on offer came from the wonderful support the event enjoyed from its sponsors and the community.
Those looking to enter are encouraged to visit the website and download the various guidelines and entry forms to ensure deadlines are met.
Julie said any local business or community group wishing to host an event during ARTfest, have less than a week to get on board.
"Whether it's an exhibition, workshop, demonstration, music performance or other art-based activity, people need to complete and return an Event Entry Form to the ARTfest committee by July 15," she said.
"This is the entry for events, not prizes, which have separate entry criteria."
This year the festival theme is EDGE and organisers are encouraging events to be a little 'edgy'.
"So far we've received quite a few entries, including some exciting new-comers to the line-up," Julie said.
"There's no set requirement as to what people can do to be part of the festival - it's all about inclusion and creativity so the committee are happy to hear from anyone who wants to be involved.
"There are a few community art projects in the planning stages so anyone looking to help out, and possibly get a bit messy, should also contact the committee."
All festival details can be found at escapeartfest.com.au or contact Julie Sydenham on 4454 5993.
The list of prizes includes:
* Bendigo Bank 8x8 Canvas Prize: Entrants paint on an 8x8 inch canvas which is available from the committee. $500 first prize plus many other prizes categories. Youth and open sections. Entry forms and canvases available soon from Splatters in Milton and Artyfacts in Nowra.
* Bendigo Bank Postcard Art Prize: Create a postcard using the annual theme as your inspiration. Prizes totalling $500. Pick up a blank postcard from Splatters of Milton, Bendigo Bank or various outlets around the Milton-Ulladulla District, or download the entry form from the website and create your own.
* SOAP (Shoalhaven Open Art Prize) sponsored by Lake Tabourie Tourist Park: $4000 prize pool with a variety of categories, open to artists over 18 years. $2000 First Prize. Entries open to single, wall-mountable works up to one square metre that effectively interpret the theme - EDGE.
* Alley Archies Portrait Prize sponsored by Lake Tabourie Tourist Park: $1000 prize pool. $500 first prize. Open to entries in any media. Entries must depict a local person as their subject - past or present, or someone who is closely associated with the Milton-Ulladulla area. Various prize categories.
* University of Wollongong Open Poetry Prize: Write a poem of no more than 50 lines using the theme - EDGE. First prize to the value of $500.
* University of Wollongong and Bendigo Bank Youth Poetry Prize: Write a poem of no more than 50 lines using the theme - EDGE. First prize to the value of $150. Entrants must be under 18.
* RIPE Sculpture at Cupitt's Winery sponsored by University of Wollongong: Outdoor Sculpture Prize at Cupitt's Winery with a total prize pool of $4000, including $2000 first prize.
* Harbour Bookshop Youth Short Story Prize: Write a short story that interprets the theme - EDGE - no more than 1000 words. First prize to the value of $150. Entrants must be under 18.
* Harbour Bookshop Open Short Story Prize: Write a short story that interprets the theme - EDGE - no more than 1000 words. First prize to the value of $500.
* Rick & Sarah Stein Literature Award: Awarded to one outstanding entry in either the Open Short Story or Open Poetry Prize.
* Opening Paragraph Competition sponsored by Hozack Clisdell Lawyers: Write the opening paragraph to a novel, using the words 'edge' and 'harbour'. Youth and open sections.
* Shutterspeed sponsored and organised by MUD Camera Club: Enjoy a fun day of shooting to themes - Sat September 20. Pre-registration preferred.
* The Milton Voice - Music Award sponsored by Commercial Hotel Milton
* Photography Prize - sponsored by Tallwood Restaurant Mollymook
* Save The Library Prize - sponsored by Smartline
* Art Up Your Yard: Create a work of art in your front yard, in any manner you like, with an emphasis on creativity and light-hearted fun! $100 first prize. Open to any house in the 2538-2539 area.
