Time is running out to enter Calderdale Council’s Open Art competition, the regional showcase for professional and amateur artists.
People from Calderdale and beyond are invited to submit their artwork by midnight onTuesday 15 August 2023, the best of which will be selected for display in a six-month exhibition at Smith Art Gallery, Brighouse.
In the runup to Calderdale’s Year of Culture in 2024, the theme of this year’s competition is the landscape, people, history and heritage that make Calderdale so distinctive.
Artwork can be in any 2D format, such as paintings, drawings or photography, and can be submitted digitally at https://museums.calderdale.gov.uk/explore/open-art-competition-2023
Prizes will be awarded to the top three works, as selected by the panel of judges, and will be provided by the competition sponsors, Holdsworth House Hotel and Restaurant, Abacus Picture Framing and Harveys of Halifax Department Store. There will also be an additional £100 People’s Prize awarded to the favourite entrant, as voted for by visitors to the exhibition.
Cllr Jenny Lynn, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, said:
“People from all backgrounds can play a part in the runup to Calderdale’s Year of Culture 2024 by sharing their artistic representations of the borough’s stunning landscape and fascinating people and heritage. There’s still time to enter, so don’t miss your chance before the 15 August deadline.
“Calderdale is full of creativity, and that’s an important part of our culture, our talent and what makes us distinctive. Creating and admiring art can bring so much joy to people too – it can be good for our mental health by offering a way to unwind.
“I look forward to seeing all the artwork, which will be another great reason to visit Smith Art Gallery and the adjoining Brighouse Library.”
The six-month Calderdale Open Art Exhibition at Smith Art Gallery, Brighouse, will start on Saturday 30 September 2023.
All money raised from the competition goes towards supporting Calderdale’s museums and galleries.
You can enter the Open Art competition and see the terms and conditions at https://museums.calderdale.gov.uk/explore/open-art-competition-2023, explore Smith Art Gallery at https://museums.calderdale.gov.uk/visit/smith-art-gallery and discover CultureDale at www.visitcalderdale.com/culturedale(external link)