Meroogal Women's Arts Prize 200710th anniversary
The Meroogal Women's Arts Prize is a regional, non-acquisitive competition and exhibition across the fields of visual arts, crafts and design. It is open to a work using any media made by a woman 18 years or over whose principal residence is in the local government areas of Shoalhaven, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Eurobodalla, Bega Valley, Wingecarribee or Wollondilly.
One entry allowed per person and entry is free.
Theme
Works submitted in 2007 shall respond creatively to the theme: Origins & identity at Meroogal.
Managed by the Historic Houses Trust (HHT), Meroogal is a house in Nowra with a rich collection of artefacts that offers a unique insight into the everyday life of four generations of women whose forebears emigrated from Scotland and settled in the Shoalhaven in the early 19th century.
This year's theme has been specially chosen to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Meroogal Women's Arts Prize by focusing on the shared experiences of all women in shaping identity, and on the values and traits they have inherited and passed along to their own families. Women artists are invited to explore Meroogal and its history and then creatively respond to the theme.
Diverse and original uses of media have become a signature of this annual exhibition, which encourages the practice of traditional women's arts and crafts in a contemporary context.
Conditions of entry
The entrant must be a woman, 18 years or over on the first day of the exhibition, ie 31 August 2007.
The entrant's principal residence must be in one of the eight local government areas listed.
One entry allowed per person and entry is free.
The work entered must have been completed in the 12 months before 31 August 2007.
The work must respond to the theme and an artist statement must be submitted with the entry form or with the work.
Either a digital image of the work shall be emailed to joannag@hht.net.au or two printed photos shall be attached to the entry form or the work.
Work must respond to the theme: Origins & identity at Meroogal.
Size and media restrictions
The competition is open to a work in any medium and all forms and styles are acceptable. Any materials can be used with the exception of anything sharp, dangerous, wet or perishable.
Meroogal's Curator and Manager reserve the right to decline to exhibit any work which, because of its construction (eg, bulk, weight, delicate or dangerous nature) cannot be exhibited safely.
Smaller works are encouraged so the majority of entries can be exhibited in Nowra. Very large works may not be displayed in full due to lack of space.
Works must be clearly labelled with the artist's name, contact details and title of work.
A selection of works will tour to other venues. Having first considered their artistic merit, works that can be readily and safely transported are more likely to be selected.
2D works
Size:
The surface area of the work (it can be any shape) including the frame must not be larger than 1.5 square metres in total in a fixed plane (eg, in a frame or stretcher), or must fold down to 1.5 square metres (eg, fabric or paper).3D works
Size:
Work must completely fit or fold down into a box measuring a maximum of one cubic metre (1m x 1m x 1m).Weight:
No heavier than 15kg – the work must be able to be picked up and carried by one person.Display:
The work should be able to sit on a plinth or stand alone.A panel of three judges comprising one HHT and one regional representative and one regional artist will decide the winners.
One Bundanon representative will select the winner of the Bundanon scholarship.
Sales of works
If requested by the entrant, works will be offered for sale. Details of prospective buyers will be kept by Meroogal's Curator and Manager and relayed to entrants.
ART-MAKING IDEAS & WORKSHOP
A special art-making and ideas workshop for intending entrants will be held at Meroogal on Saturday 5 May, running from 9.30am till 3.30pm. This will be a great opportunity to focus on the way certain objects act as memory triggers. Invited artist Helen Martin will inspire you to express your memories and ideas using a variety of evocative materials. Meroogal staff will also show objects from the collection that might inspire the development of your ideas related to the theme. Please call the box office on T 02 8239 2211 for more information, costs and to book.
ENTRY FORM
To download a pdf copy of the 2007 entry form please click here.
PRIZES*
First prize - $2000
Second prize - $1000
Third prize - $500
People's Choice Award - $250
The Bundanon Trust Regional Artist in Residence Scholarship - Two weeks in residency
Meroogal Packers Prize**
*At least one of the first three prize categories will be awarded to a work in the crafts and design fields.
**Total of donations collected at the door during the Nowra exhibition.
EXHIBITION DATES
Shoalhaven City Arts Centre
12 Berry Street, Nowra NSW
31 August – 26 September 2007
Open Tuesday to Friday 10am – 4pm & weekends11am – 3pm
Selected works will travel. Also, a selection of works will be available to view online after the exhibition opens in Nowra.
Visit the website for more details: http://www.hht.net.au/museums/meroogal/mwap/2007
