Entries are now open for the 2021 Blacktown City Art Prize, which will celebrate 26 years as one of the most prestigious regional art prizes in Australia.
The $20,000 art prize is open to artists living across Australia, with submissions open in four categories including, the top prize, Aboriginal Artist Prize, Local Artist Prize and the People's Choice Prize.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM encouraged artists to enter works in the open-themed prize, from painting, to textiles and photo-media.
"The distinguished prize has cemented itself as a major cultural event in Western Sydney over more than a quarter of a century," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"Last year's prize saw a record-breaking 900 pieces submitted, which showcased the incredible talents of artists in our community.
"I am continually impressed by the calibre of work submitted each year and encourage artists from Blacktown City and beyond to take part in this prestigious event.
"It has been a tough year for many of us living through the COVID-19 pandemic, but despite the challenges, our creative community has proved its resilience. I look forward to seeing this year's entries."
Western Sydney artist Linda Brescia took out the top award in the 2020 prize for her portrait of American patron of the arts Peggy Guggenheim.
Ms Brescia's last-minute entry, Peggy, which was painted on the day submissions closed, was chosen from 110 finalists to take out the major prize.
"Winning the Blacktown City Art Prize offers much appreciated encouragement and support," Ms Brescia said.
"(2020) has been a hard year for everyone. I hadn't exhibited work in a gallery all year and thought I should make an effort to be in at least one exhibition."
Artworks can be in sculpture, painting, drawing, mixed media, photo-media, textiles, printmaking or ceramics.
The Blacktown City Art Prize will culminate in an exhibition of the finalists' work at the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre and at Blacktown, Stanhope and Mt Druitt libraries between Saturday 27 November 2021 and Thursday 27 January 2022.
Entries close 5pm, Tuesday 5 October 2021.
Prizes awarded:
Blacktown City Art Prize: $15,000 (acquisitive)
Aboriginal Artist Prize: $2,000
Local Artist Prize: $2,000
People's Choice Prize: $1,000
All artworks in the exhibition have the opportunity to be acquired for the Blacktown City Art Collection, they will also be available to buy in person at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre or online via the Blacktown Arts website for the duration of the exhibition.
