A new Geelong art competition could give young creatives priceless exposure, along with some much-needed cash for their craft.
The Brackets Art Prize will be the first of its kind for artists under 26, explains co-founder Amber Smith.
“We thought there wasn’t really anything of this nature for young artists in Geelong,” she says.
“We want to celebrate the really diverse experimental work that young people in our region are creating.”
Prizes of $1000, $500 and $250 are up for grabs for the inaugural competition’s top three artists, along with a solo exhibition each.
“It’s a really fantastic opportunity and we have artists that sell all of their works at shows here,” Amber says.
“We’ve had artists who have had solo shows and gone on to be really successful.”
As Courthouse Youth Arts Centre’s curator and an artist herself, Amber understands challenges and rejections young creatives face.
“Anything where you can give some cash and opportunities to artists is a great thing.”
Geelong has a fantastic range of young artists from widely varying backgrounds and levels of artistic training, Amber says.
Just recently Courthouse featured traditional still life paintings from one artist upstairs while hosting a contemporary soundscape by another downstairs, she says.
“I’m always so impressed by how big young artists seem to go when they get the opportunity.“
Entries close on 10 May with three opening nights at Courthouse Youth Arts, Geelong Creative and Analogue Academy beginning 22 May.
