National art prize open for entries

Entry is now open for a major national art prize run by Northumbria University, Newcastle.

The Woon Foundation Painting and Sculpture Art Prize, launched by Northumbria graduate Wee Teng Woon in 2012, is open to all final year Fine Art students studying in the UK. Organisers are now calling for a new round of entries as the competition’s first ever prize-winner moves into her new studio at BALTIC 39.

The prize was established to provide opportunities for students to develop their fine art practice, offering direct links with the cultural sector through Northumbria’s partnership with BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead.

Holly Hendry, a graduate of London’s Slade School of Art, walked away with first prize in last year’s competition earning her a £20,000 bursary, use of the Woon Tai Jee studio space in the BxNU Institute of Contemporary Art at BALTIC 39 and mentoring.

Holly said: “I entered the Woon Art Prize as I was keen to have the support to begin my transition to working professionally as an artist.

“Being the Woon fellow means that I get to experience a new way of working that is entirely self-led, with the comfort of having the support of BALTIC 39 and Northumbria University. It has given my career a great starting point, providing me with a platform for lots of exciting opportunities.”

The 2014 competition opens on Monday 21st October and entrants are asked to submit a current CV, up to eight images of recent work and an application form which includes a 500 word statement outlining their reasons for wishing to become a fellow. There is a £10 fee for each entry.

Entries will be shortlisted by a panel of cultural and creative professionals chaired by BALTIC Professor Christine Borland. The closing date for entries is Thursday 30th January. For further information and entry details visitwww.northumbria.ac.uk/woonartprize

For more information about Northumbria University’s Fine Art programmes visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/arts or sign up for Northumbria’s open day on 26 October at www.northumbria.ac.uk/openday.

Date posted: October 23, 2013