The National Gallery of Canada (NGC) is inviting youth aged 16 to 19 from across the country to participate in its annual So You Want to Be an Artist? contest.
Artists must submit their work between Feb. 4, and Apr. 1, inclusively. As in the past, submitted works will be shown on the contest website (soyouwanttobeanartist.ca), where visitors will be able to vote for their favourite pieces.
The 12 entries with the most votes will make it to the semi-finals and will be shown at the Gallery for one month this summer. A jury made up of artists, curators and prominent art bloggers will select three winning entries. First prize includes travel, accommodation and meals for a two-night stay in Ottawa for the winner and one accompanying adult as well as an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit of the NGC that will focus on careers in the visual arts. The winner will also gain expert advice on his or her art portfolio and receive a $500 gift certificate for art supplies. Total maximum value: $3,500. Second prize is a $1,000 gift certificate for art supplies, and third prize is a $500 gift certificate for art supplies.
Young artists can base their work on whatever sparks their imagination. They can also draw inspiration from the NGC’s rich collection, either in person or by visiting gallery.ca.
Artworks must be original two dimensional pieces in any medium, and must be accompanied by a short text explaining the story behind the piece. A digital copy of the work must also be submitted, which will be shown on the soyouwanttobeanartist.ca website, where visitors will be able to vote for their favourite piece(s) through Facebook (one vote per work per Facebook account).
The 12 contestants with the most online votes will be invited to submit their original artwork for entry into the final phase of the contest.
For more information, go to soyouwanttobeanartist.ca.
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