HUNTER EMERGING ART PRIZE

ABOUT
The Hunter Emerging Art Prize 2024 (HEAP) is the leading art prize for emerging artists in the Hunter. Running for more than 20 years its intention is to support creatives at the early stages of their career. ​
This year Maclean's Booksellers is the major local sponsor alongside Sculptures at Scratchley, Stevens Conveyancing, This is Not Art, Frame Today, Print Studio by Frame Today, The Squires Family in memory of Jody Robinson and The Clay Room supporting the new ceramic addition to the prize.
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Emerging artists living in the local government areas of Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Mid Coast, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter are welcome to enter. Entries can be made online by submitting images and a statement about your work. Only finalists will be required to deliver their actual works to Newcastle Art Space for judging and exhibition.
Check the definition of an emerging artist which you will see on the application form. We look forward to your entries!
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Hunter Emerging Art Prize 2024 Timeline
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Early-bird entries open: Thurs 7 December 2023 ($44 Early-bird fee / $55 Entry fee)
Early-bird entries close: Midnight Fri 5 January 2024
Entries close: Midnight Thurs 15 February 2024
Finalist announcement: Fri 1 March 2024
Delivery of finalists’ works: 10am - 2pm Wed 6 - Fri 8 March 2024
Winners announcement at the exhibition opening: 6-8pm Fri 22 March 2024
Prize exhibition: 22 March - 14 April 2024
Collection of unsold works: 10am - 2pm Wed 17 - Fri 19 April 2024
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Entry Fee
Early-bird (closes midnight 5 Jan 2024): $44
Standard entry fee: $55
Maximum two entries per artist.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
PRIZE MONEY
The total prize pool is more than $10,000 with prizes offered across diverse artforms.
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Overall Prize: $5000 Sponsored by MacLean's Booksellers
The Overall Prize will be awarded to the best work across all Sections.
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Youth Prize: $1000 Sponsored by the Squires Family in memory of Jody Robinson
The Youth Prize will be awarded to the best work across all sections by an artist aged under 25.
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People's Choice Award: $100 gift voucher Sponsored by Eckersley's
The People’s Choice Award will be based on votes received throughout exhibition from gallery visitors and online, and will be announced at the end of the exhibition.
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CATEGORIES
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PAINTING: $1000 Sponsored by Stevens Conveyancing
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SCULPTURE / 3D: $1000 Sponsored by Sculptures at Scratchley
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EXPERIMENTAL: $1000 Sponsored by This is Not Art
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PHOTOMEDIA: $1000 Sponsored by Print Studio by Frame Today
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WORKS ON PAPER: $1000 Sponsored by Frame Today
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CERAMICS: $600 Sponsored by The Clay Room