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Entries are now open for the inaugural Central Otago Art Awards being held in September/October of this year. The Central Otago District Arts Trust is now accepting submissions for this nationwide, juried exhibition

“Already I've had heaps of artists ringing and emailing to get an entry form since the word got out and now at last I can point them in the right direction. I took us longer than expected to make it all happen but now things are right on track,” says Central Otago art coordinator Maxine Williams.

She has been busy arranging the call for entries adverts to go in newspapers and magazines all around the country. She's also created a Facebook page for the event and has added an Art Awards page to the www.centralotagoarts.com website so artists can apply online or download an entry form to submit.

Ms Williams is also excited to announce two key judges who are now confirmed to attend the event. “I think we have two of the best art adjudicators in the country. Elizabeth Caldwell and Jim Geddes are directors of two of the most respected art galleries in the South Island, Dunedin Public Art Gallery and the Eastern Southland Gallery in Gore, (home of the famous John Money collection)."

“Hopefully with our top judges and the great prize money we will attract the quality of entries we are looking for," Ms Williams said. “Artists will have to get their skates on though as entries close on 9 August; that gives them two months to come up with something” she added.

The Central Otago Art Awards aims to seek and celebrate the finest artisans this country has to offer and the competition is open to all New Zealand residents’ 18-years and over. Artists are invited to submit their best art work to the esteemed selection panel for the highest level of exposure and recognition. Eligible entries include all mediums, excluding video and installations. All work must be the original work of the applicant, suitable for gallery installation and available for sale.

Plans for a gala opening night to acknowledge the significance of the awards is under way with a VIP Art Awards Evening, is to be held on Thursday 8 September at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery, Alexandra. Art award winners will be announced by the judges, along with guest speakers, beautiful Central Otago wine, finger food, live music, poetry readings by renowned local poets and exciting giveaways.

Deadline for entries is before 5pm 9 August 2011. All the best New Zealand artists should enter here: www.centralotagoarts.com