words: Robin Morgan
St. David’s Hall celebrates a decade of new Welsh artists this summer, with the 10th Welsh Artist of the Year now accepting entries. All artists born, working or living in Wales can apply hoping to win the coveted award, as well as a handy £2,000 prize money.
The prize is on offer for the most talented and innovative artists which will be split throughout seven categories: painting, sculpture, photography, applied arts, printmaking, drawing and student.
More than 5,000 artists have taken part over the past decade of the competition, with some former winners now enjoying notable international success. Last year’s winner Tim Freeman is on the judging panel for this year’s competition, and says that winning the contest raised his profile immensely.
“As a judge I will be looking for quality of the finished piece of work and how well the artist communicates their subject,” he said.
The winner will be announced in a ceremony at St. David’s Hall on Sun 20 Jun. The winning entries will make up the Welsh Artist of the Year Exhibition, running from 20 Jun-6 Aug.
Exhibition curator Ruth Cayford said: “With this being the 10th anniversary we are hoping 2010 will be the strongest year for entries. The competition’s reputation has grown in the art community in Wales and throughout the UK – this year’s winner will follow in the footsteps of Wales’ great contemporary artists.”
photo: Tim Freeman by Martin Ellard