The prestigious EJ Mantova Art Prize returns to the Bellingen Gallery and Framing Studio in 2025, with entries opening Monday, February 24. This year introduces an exciting new Miniatures category to the competition lineup, alongside the established Marie Warwick Memorial Open Prize, Landscape Prize, and Sculpture/3D Prize. Each category offers a first prize of $500 and second prize of $200 cash or framing voucher.
The competition welcomes entries across all mediums, with works to be judged on quality of composition, creativity and originality, and demonstration of technical skill. These criteria carry equal weighting in the judging process.
Following last year’s successful format, the exhibition will run for a full month, providing extended opportunities for art lovers to view and purchase works from the region’s finest artists. The exhibition opens Saturday, April 26, at 4:00 PM.
Entry forms are available from Bellingen Gallery and Framing Studio, Nexus Gallery, Urunga ArtSpace, and the Bellingen Show website. Entry forms must be submitted by 2:00 PM on Monday, March 31, 2025. Information regarding how to enter, artwork delivery and collection, and more can be found on the website.
The EJ Mantova Art Prize, presented by the Bellinger River Agricultural Society and sponsored by Bellingen Shire Council, Affirmations Publishing House and the C.ex Group, honors the legacy of Ernest John Mantova, Bellingen’s first professional artist.
For further information, visit www.bellingenshow.com.au or contact mantova@bellingenshow.com.au