National gallery launches fourth annual youth art contest

Canada’s national gallery has launched its annual art contest for youth. Deadline is May 21. (WIKIMEDIA COMMONS PHOTO)

So you want to be an artist? Then National Gallery of Canada wants to hear from you.

The gallery, the country’s premier collector and exhibitor of artworks from Canada and around the world, is launching its fourth annual art contest for youth aged 16 to 19.

If you are in that age category, and either have a work completed or would like to work on something new, you have until May 21 to submit your entry.

Artworks must be original, two-dimensional pieces in any medium and must be accompanied by a short written text explaining the inspiration behind the work.

A digital photo of the work must then be uploaded to the website.

Visitors to the site will then be invited to vote on their favourite entries between May 26 and June 30.

The 12 contestants with the most online votes, plus three extra works that a panel of judges deem worthy enough, will be displayed at the gallery for public viewing.

During that display phase, a jury appointed by the gallery will choose first-, second- and third-place winners. They will be announced Aug. 11.

“We are always blown away by the superb quality of the works submitted,” said Gary Goodacre, the gallery’s manage of youth and school programs.

Last year, the contest attracted entries from more than 200 teens from across Canada and more than 25,000 people voted online.

First prize will earn you and an adult partner a trip for two to Ottawa, two nights accommodation, a behind-the-scenes tour of the gallery and a $500 gift certificate for art supplies.

Prizes for second and third place are $1,000 and $500 in gift certificates for art supplies, respectively.