Entering art competitions can represent a great opportunity for an artist whether you win or not. Along with the benefit of simply growing as an artist, competitions can also increase that much-needed exposure of your work, help you build up your network within the art world, and even help increase your self-confidence.
One competition that we strongly encourage all creatives to look into is the Brackets Art Prize, the region’s only Contemporary Art Prize specifically for emerging artists.
Presented by Platform Arts, the competition is looking for artworks that can be shown on an online space, keeping with social distancing protocols. This means entries will be open for video works only, however, what exaclty these videos contain is entirely up to the individual – but there are a few instructions to inform their art-making.
Open to any artist living and working in the City of Greater Geelong and surrounds (extending from Anakie and Balliang to the Bellarine Peninsula) that is aged 16 – 26, artists must construct a monument or performance that speaks to 2020 using found materials, items from home, or their body as primary material and source. They must then install their monument, or perform their action at home or a public space nearby considering where it is most appropriate. Using the medium of video they must document the action, decay or destruction of that monument.
“We are looking for artists who can respond to the monumentality of the times,” reveals Platform Arts curator Amber Smith. “The Brackets Art Prize 2020 is relaunching as a celebration of artists’ resilience, agility and creativity. As we are physically distancing ourselves from the gallery space, we are also changing our thinking to exist outside of the conventions of the gallery.
“In the space and context of history, 2020 has been and continues to be monumental. We want young artists to use this opportunity to create socially-conscious art responding to the complexities of the times in which we live.”
Submission are open now until July 1 and entry is completely free. Individuals of all backgrounds, experiences and skill sets are encouraged to apply, and there’s no need for previous art training or education. Applicants from First Nations and culturally diverse peoples, and people with differing access needs are strongly encouraged to apply.
Winners will be announced Friday 10 July, with cash prizes of $1000, $500 and $250 to be awarded.
Resources and inspiration are available alongside full instructions and T&Cs on the Platform Arts website: platformarts.org.au/
Feature photo taken at last year’s Brackets exhibition, photographed by Leiko Manalang
