In anticipation of Calderdale’s upcoming Year of Culture in 2024, the community is being urged to bring the borough’s unique characteristics to life by participating in an art competition. The Calderdale Council has officially launched the Open Art competition and is inviting entries from both professional and amateur artists.
The chosen pieces of artwork will be prominently exhibited in the prestigious Calderdale Open Art Exhibition for an impressive duration of six months at the esteemed Smith Art Gallery in Brighouse. The exhibition aims to highlight Calderdale’s distinctive landscape, its diverse population, and its rich history. Artists can submit their entries in any 2D format, such as paintings, drawings, or photography.
A distinguished panel of judges, including Paul Bartram, the owner of the renowned Yorkshire Gallery at The Piece Hall in Halifax, Dr. Jo Neil, Course Leader for the BA (Hons) Fine Art course at Leeds Arts University, and Alice Bradshaw, an esteemed artist, curator, and writer, will select the top three works. These winners will receive prestigious prizes sponsored by Holdsworth House Hotel and Restaurant, Abacus Picture Framing, and Harveys of Halifax Department Store. Additionally, visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite piece, with the winner being awarded the coveted £100 People’s Prize.
Councillor Jenny Lynn, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, expressed her excitement for the Year of Culture and the involvement of local residents through the art competition and exhibition. She acknowledged the abundance of talent in the borough and emphasised that Calderdale Open Art presents an excellent opportunity to celebrate this talent and inspire creativity across all segments of society. Councillor Lynn eagerly anticipates witnessing the diverse interpretations of Calderdale’s landscape, people, and heritage through the captivating medium of art, which she believes truly reflects the significance of culture within the region.
Artists interested in participating can submit their artwork for the Calderdale Open Art competition until Tuesday, 15th August 2023. In a departure from previous years, entries can now only be submitted digitally through the Calderdale Museums website. The website also provides detailed information regarding the terms and conditions of entry. For more information and to submit your artwork, please visit: https://museums.calderdale.gov.uk/explore/open-art-competition-2023
The selected artworks will be unveiled during the highly anticipated six-month Calderdale Open Art Exhibition, commencing on Saturday, 30th September 2023, at the esteemed Smith Art Gallery in Brighouse. Art enthusiasts and visitors are encouraged to mark their calendars and witness the vibrant display of talent that Calderdale has to offer.
