Entries Called For Pacific Art Awards 2000

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Entries are now being called for the annual Pacific Art Awards, with all art students and aspiring artists throughout the country invited to enter. This year, they are being asked to respond to a brief looking at the themes of "Polynisation" & "Trash to Treasure".

This brief has been adapted from an exhibition catalogue extract written by broadcaster Lisa Taouma, in which she examines the ways New Zealand born Pacific people have evolved an identity and culture of their own, separate from the original culture back in the islands. She also reflects on the use of "trash" forms of the West which are transformed into stunning decoration by Pacific people.

Established in 1997 by the Pacific Business Trust, the Awards have gone from strength to strength to become a coveted event. They encourage students and practising artists to explore art through a variety of mediums, with entries due by Friday 30 June. All people who fit into the required categories are eligible to enter and can submit as many entries as they wish.

Entrants are encouraged to be as imaginative in their works as they wish and are not required to set to rigid formats. Their work can take many forms, be it sculpture, installations, multimedia, artwork, fashion, photography, music.

The Awards require entrants to provide a 300 word written explanation accompanying their work.

Chief Executive of the Pacific Business Trust, Frances Hartnell says the Awards were established to promote and encourage up and coming artists in New Zealand, and to show them how artistic talent can translate into viable businesses.

"Over the years, we have received a stunning array of works. There is a lot of outstanding artistic talent in this country, just waiting to be exposed. The Pacific Art Awards provides a suitable vehicle for that exposure."

The Pacific Art Awards contains two categories - open/tertiary and secondary school. The open/tertiary is open to tertiary students and practising artists, with total cash and book prizes worth $5500. The other category is for secondary students and offers $2000 total prizes.

Entries will be judged by Lisa Taouma director/reporter for Tagata Pasifika Television programme, Natalie Robertson, artist and lecturer in art - Waikato Polytechnic, Sofia Tekela-Smith, artist and designer of objects and Megan Douglas, fashion and costume designer. Convenor of the judging panel is Albert Refiti.

Entry forms are being distributed to all secondary and tertiary institutes, as well as libraries throughout the country. Additional forms and Awards details are available from the Pacific Business Trust (09) 270 1003.

Winners will be announced on Friday 7 July with an exhibition of selected pieces taking place at the Contemporary Pacific Art Gallery located at South Markets, 731 Great South Road, Auckland from 12 July 2000.

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