BY OLIVIA DILLON
The Newcastle Emerging Art Prize has broadened its horizons, with the introduction of a new name and new categories.
The competition now known as the Hunter Emerging Art Prize, is celebrating its 20th anniversary by honouring the talent of artists from across the region.
Emerging artists living in the LGA's of Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Mid Coast, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton and the Upper Hunter were welcome to enter this year.
With over 200 applicants this year, the highest number ever received for this competition, Business Manager at the Newcastle Art Space, Leah Fawthrop, said she felt the new name was more welcoming for local artists.
"We've always offered the Prize to the Hunter, but I think this reflects it better," she said.
In addition to a new name, this year has also seen the introduction of two new categories; the Youth Prize and Experimental Art category.
Ms Fawthrop said the introduction of the Youth Prize was made possible with the support of the Squires family, in recognition of the late Jody Robinson's contribution to art education in the Hunter.
"Jody was an art teacher and an art leader. She was very much a mentor for young artists, and she was a passionate believer in supporting young artists."
The winners of the Hunter Emerging Art Prize will be announced at the exhibition opening from 6-8pm on the 26th of February 2022.
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| Image: Museums and Galleries of NSW |
