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by bacblogarts

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

Is there a theme for this year’s prize?
There is no theme for the main prize. Please take a look at our 2020 finalists for some inspiration here.

Why is there an entry fee?
The entry fee of $30 per artwork allows us to present the prizes and exhibition.

How many works can I enter?
You can enter 1 or 2 artworks, but you will need to complete a separate online entry form for each work.

How will I know if my artwork has been selected for the Blacktown City Art Prize?
The list of selected finalists will be published on the Blacktown Arts website and social media channels on Wednesday 27 October 2021, and all entrants will be emailed the list of finalists.

How many artworks are chosen for the exhibition?
The judges normally choose approximately 100 artworks as finalists for display in the exhibition.

ELIGIBILITY

What kind of artwork can I enter?
Two-dimensional artwork may include drawing, printmaking, painting, photomedia, textiles and mixed media.

Three-dimensional artwork may include sculpture, ceramics, textiles and mixed media. Three-dimensional works must be free-standing.

We are unable to accept film, video, sound, performance and installation artwork.

Can I enter a photomedia work?
Yes, photomedia is accepted, but please note this is not a photography prize, and there is no specific category for photomedia work.

What size can my work be?
Two-dimensional artwork can be a maximum size of 155 cm x 155 cm (height x width), including the frame. Please note that work larger than this will not be accepted.

Three-dimensional artwork can be a maximum size of 200 cm x 150 cm x 150 cm (height x width x depth) and a maximum weight of 40 kg. Please note that work larger than this will not be accepted.

Am I eligible for the Local Artist Prize?
The Local Artist Prize is open to entrants who reside in the Blacktown Local Government Area. See the full list of suburbs here. If you live in the area and are chosen as a finalist, you will automatically be considered for the Local Artist Prize.

Do I need to live in Blacktown City to be eligible for the Main Prize and the Aboriginal Artist Prize?
No, entries from across Australia are eligible.

I live overseas. Can I enter the 2021 Blacktown City Art Prize?
Sorry, the Blacktown City Art Prize is only open to applicants living in Australia.

What is an acquisitive prize?

If you are selected as the winner of the main Blacktown City Art Prize your artwork will be acquired for the Blacktown City Art Collection and you will be awarded the prize money of $15,000. The prize money will supplant the sale price of your artwork.

ENTRY FORM

Why won’t the entry form accept my image?
If you receive an error message while uploading an image, your file may be too large.

Please ensure the maximum file size is 2MB and the maximum image dimension is 1500 pixels in width or height. If you are unsure how to resize your image, please use: www.resizeimage.net or click here to use our guide.

Do I need to send an artist statement or CV?
No, you don’t. You may choose to submit an artist statement of no more than 50 words within the entry form. The statement will be made available to potential buyers who express interest in buying artwork in the exhibition, but please note that the panel of judges will not see this statement.

Can I make changes to the artwork details after I have entered the prize?
If you need to make changes to your entry form after you have submitted it, please email the Blacktown Arts team: artscentre@blacktown.nsw.gov.au.

Unfortunately, we are unable to make changes to entry forms after the closing date of Tuesday 5 October 2021.

PRESENTATION OF ARTWORKS

How should I frame my artwork?
It is entirely up to you how you would like to frame your artwork. Previous judging panels have commented that simple frames which enhance the qualities of the artwork are better than overly decorative frames. Artwork on stretched canvas does not have to be framed.

Can I assemble my own three-dimensional artwork?
We ask that all three-dimensional artwork requiring assembly be accompanied with installation notes and a photograph of the artwork. You may also discuss the assembly of the artwork with an art handler when you deliver the artwork.

Do I need to provide a plinth?
No, Blacktown Arts has a collection of plinths that will be used for the exhibition.

Can I install my own artwork?
We employ professional art handlers who install all artworks on behalf of the artists.

My artwork needs power, can this be arranged?
Yes. However, power points are limited and this will affect where your artwork is installed.

My artwork is free-standing but hangs from the ceiling. Is this acceptable?
Sorry, we are unable to suspend or hang artwork from the gallery ceiling.

My painting is a stretched canvas. Does it need to be framed?
No, it doesn’t. However, the artwork should be professionally presented, so please check for a warped stretcher or a slack or torn canvas.

What are D-rings? And do I need them?
A D-ring is a small metal ring that is shaped like the letter D. D-rings are attached to two-dimensional artwork, one on either side, so the artwork can be hung from these points. You do not need D-rings if your artwork has a synthetic cord on the back. If your artwork is a stretched canvas on a timber stretcher, it can be hung from the stretcher.

How will I know where my artwork will be displayed?
Your artwork could be displayed at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre or Blacktown, Stanhope and Mt Druitt libraries, finalists that have their artworks displayed at the libraries will be notified by Blacktown Arts staff.

DELIVERY AND COLLECTION OF ARTWORKS

When can I deliver my artwork?
If you are selected as a finalist you can deliver your artwork to The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre at 78 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown, NSW on Friday 12 or Saturday 13 November 2021 between 9 am and 5 pm. Entry to The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre car park is via Campbell Street, Blacktown. Art handlers may be available for assistance on the day.

Can I get someone to deliver the artwork on my behalf?
Yes. You will need to provide Blacktown Arts with permission via email outlining who will be delivering the work. The person delivering the artwork will need to show photo ID and sign the artwork in on behalf of the artist. If you are using a courier service, we will need details of the courier company, consignment number and date of delivery. Please send all delivery details to artscentre@blacktown.nsw.gov.au.

What happens if we are in lockdown or COVID restrictions stop the exhibition from happening?
If COVID restrictions and public health guidelines impact the exhibition, Blacktown Art staff will advise all finalists of changes via email. If restrictions prevent a physical exhibition, a gallery of the finalists will be published on the Blacktown Arts website.

If my artwork is unsold at the end of the exhibition, when do I collect it?
Unsold artwork should be collected from The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre at 78 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown, NSW on Friday 28 January or Saturday 29 January, 2022, between 9 am and 5 pm. Entry to The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre car park is via Campbell Street, Blacktown. If your artwork is to be returned by post or courier service, please inform Blacktown Arts staff of the courier company, consignment number, date and time of collection.

If I post my artwork will it be posted back to me?
Yes. However, all costs, packaging, transport and postal arrangements must be made by the artist. The Blacktown Arts team will liaise with you on how to submit information about the delivery, including the courier company, consignment number, date and time of delivery.

More questions? Please use the below form to contact us.

Blacktown City Art Prize Contact Form
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