The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry on Friday launched the 2014 Guyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition at Castellani House, Vlissengen Road, Georgetown. The competition was established to give recognition and support to the creative work of Guyanese in the visual arts, and to provide a source of inspiration to local artists, thereby stimulating the development of the finest expressions of the visual imagination among Guyanese.
The various categories for this competition are painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, fine craft and photography.
To be eligible to enter this competition, persons must be over 16 years old and of Guyanese descent.
During 2014, there will also be art sessions including workshops and lectures starting from January for the artists. The deadline for submission of art pieces will be November 13, 2014.
Successful competition
Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony congratulated the Visual Arts Committee for working very hard to ensure that the previous competition was successful.
He added that this competition would not have been possible without President Donald Ramotar’s support.
Persons should submit their information when registering for the competition as it will be documented in a catalogue, and will allow for recognition of the artists.
Comprehensive event
“This competition and exhibition in a way is a very comprehensive event. It is well thought out and it’s mainly something that we can all be proud of… I think it has earned its recognition,” the minister stated.
The works will be judged by a panel of five from Guyana and overseas. Judges will have a period of three days to view the art pieces to determine the winner.
The competition will award the following prizes in each of the six categories: first prize, Gy$ 500,000 and a gold medal; second prize, Gy$ 300,000 and a silver medal; and third prize, Gy$ 200,000 and a bronze medal.
In addition, a promise award of Gy$ 200,000 and a bronze medal will be bestowed on a young artist (25 years or younger) whose work in the judges’ opinion displays exceptional promise.
Persons can uplift their application forms at the Mash Secretariat, ER Burrowes School of Art, education officers in Regions One, Seven and Nine, and on the ministry’s website www.mcys.gov.gy.
