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2021 CQU Creates competition to inspire artists nation-wide

20 January 2021

CQUniversity has once again set out to inspire Australia's visual artists by inviting them to enter the 2021 CQU Creates Art Competition.

Although COVID-19 restrictions forced the 2020 event to go online' a record number of 89 entries were received from across the CQUniversity national footprint' and CQUni Art Collection Manager Sue Smith said she was confident even more entries would flood in this year.

'We are excited to announce that the competition will again be held online this year with the opening night of the exhibition and announcements of the winners planned for 6pm on Friday 3 September'' she said.

'Launched in 2014 to celebrate the accomplishments of our CQUniversity community and to encourage and inspire diverse contemporary art practice' this year's CQU Creates Art Competition is now open to entries from past and present students and staff. Entrants can address a theme or subject matter of their choice.

'It's clear the CQU Creates Art Competition is highly regarded in artist circles and we expect that even more artists will be inspired to create artworks for this year's event.'

Last year' CQUni Mackay staff member Bill Jewell took out the major prize with his digital photograph' 'SS Maheno'. Previous winners include Erin Dunne' Carmen Beezley-Drake and Susan Head.

Entries close on 16 July. There's an online entry form with conditions via https://www.cqu.edu.au/industry-and-partnerships/partnerships/community/cqu-creates. Entrants are called upon to make online submissions for possible inclusion in the September 2021 online group exhibition and catalogue. There is no entry fee.

All prizes are non-acquisitive and the categories are the CQU Creates 2021 Art Award of $500' the CQU Creates 2021 Indigenous Art Award of $500' the CQU Creates 2021 Current Student Award of $500 and the CQU Creates 2021 Highly Commended Awards (up to eight prizes) of $250. An independent judge will be appointed by CQUniversity.

Awards and prizes:

  • CQU Creates 2021 Art Award – $500 cash
  • CQU Creates 2021 Indigenous Art Award – $500 cash
  • CQU Creates 2021 Student Award – $500 cash (for a current student)
  • CQU Creates 2021 Highly Commended Awards – $250 (up to 8 awards)