I recently read an artist's newsletter about their shock at being rejected from an art competition and how they processed the disappointment.
Art prizes and people’s reactions to them seem to be a topic of discussion that never gets old. Why do artists enter competitions? Why do we feel so intensely when the work is either rejected or accepted?
I entered the Moreton Bay Art Prize in 2023 and 2024. Surprisingly, my collage was selected as a finalist both years, winning 3rd prize in 2023 and Highly Commended in 2024."
This experience helps to explain how I think about prizes and whether to enter them, or not. After all, how any person sees and judges a piece of art is subjective and, in the case of an open prize where all mediums are accepted, how is the judge to choose between an oil painting, a textile work, a ceramic work or a sculpture?
I'm sure art competitions serve many purposes both for institutions and artists. I was encouraged to enter by a friend and I only did so because I had some finished work that I thought might be suitable. My experience is limited and even though the work was selected, I found the process somewhat fraught with anxiety and self doubt.
Even so, I have learned a lot! I learned that I should probably get my work photographed professionally instead of sending in an old photo of an already framed piece, obscured by the reflection of the glass. Once I had to rewrite my artist statement from 100 words down to 100 characters, which taught me to closely read the submission guidelines and practice succinctness in my writing. Then there was the time I shipped a piece down to New South Wales for over $300 by courier. Each time I do so I learn something new.
The knock on effects from entering and being selected for the Moreton Bay Art Prize, have been many but more importantly, it has fuelled my desire to keep going, to do more, to nurture my aspirations.
Entering the prize required me to think more critically my intentions and motivations, bringing more intention to my process. For me the Art Prize hasn’t really been about being selected for a final or receiving an award, it’s been a meaningful part of my development as a late blooming artist, meeting other artists, expanding my community.
Hand on heart, I would like to thank the staff of the Moreton Bay Regional Galleries, and the Moreton Bay City Cultural Activations Team, who are dedicated to offering professional support, opportunities and quality cultural experiences for artists in the region.
I could keep going, however, to get to the point, the reason I am writing is The Moreton Bay Art Prize exhibition opens on the 24th May. I didn't enter this year but I know artists who made the finals and I'm excited to go visit! The prize attracts many talented artists and is well worth visiting.
ps. have visited three times already and found something new and interesting each time!
