A week remains for artists to submit works to the lucrative 2017 Girt by Sea art competition and exhibition, which this year boasts a $94,000 prize pool.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Council-supported competition, run in conjunction with Macleay Island Arts Complex (MIAC) and Russell Island Community Arts (RICA), offered outstanding opportunities to sculptors throughout Australia and painters from Russell, Macleay, Karragarra and Lamb Islands.
“The Girt by Sea art competition is one of the most lucrative events of its type in Australia with prizes offered from $500 to $14,000,” Cr Williams said.
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“The sculpture section of the competition is open to all and is already attracting national attention, while the painting section is open to SMBI artists.
“Entry forms detailing artworks must be received by 3pm Friday 17 February, even if artworks are not yet complete or still in transit.
“The 2016 competition opened everyone’s eyes to the potential of a bay islands-based art exhibition like this and I have no doubt this success will be echoed in 2017.”
Division 5 (Redland Bay and Bay Islands) Cr Mark Edwards said the competition and exhibition not only celebrated the artworks, but also the SMBI’s unique Island lifestyles.
“Anyone who saw the calibre of artworks from the 2016 Girt by Sea competition would agree that it has the potential to be a major cultural tourism draw card, not just for the Bay Islands but for our whole city,” Cr Edwards said.
“With a total prize pool of around $94,000, and an entry fee of just $5 per painting and $30 per sculpture, it is a great opportunity for all exhibiting artists.
“Acquired sculptures will be installed in key public spaces, so the Girt by Sea competition is a rare chance to make a lasting impact on our city’s landscape and I really encourage everyone to get behind this exciting project.”
Entries to the 2017 Girt by Sea competition and are subject to terms and conditions and entry forms must be received by 3pm Friday 17 February 2017.
Application forms can be downloaded from The Bay Islands Getaway website and the Macleay Island Arts website.
The Girt by Sea awards evening will be held at Russell Island Recreation Hall at 6pm Saturday 18 March, with all welcome.
The following acquisition prizes are available to participating artists, subject to selection by judges:
Sculpture Section: Four prizes of $8000 and three prizes of $14,000.
A total of $74,000 in acquisition prizes
Painting Section: 10 prizes of $500; five prizes of $1000; two prizes of $2500; and one prize of $5000.
A total of $20,000 in acquisition prizes.
