Bell ArtStart Competition

Young artists should pull out their brushes and get painting for their chance to win $10,000 in the annual Belle ArtStart competition. 

Now in its fourth year, the national competition is open to entrants aged 16-25 to paint a 36 x 24 inch canvas.

The competition aims to unearth the next wave of creative talent with the first-prize winner taking home $10,000, second prize $5000 and third prize $2500.

Rachael Thompson from Belle Property says it’s a great call to action for young artists who might have a project bubbling away in their mind.

“The judges are looking for something a bit different and something that stands out,” she says.

More than 100 artists enter each year, but Thompson says they would love to see more involvement from artists in the Territory.

“I think there would be some really interesting work coming out of Darwin, it would be great to get more entries from there,” she says.

Previous winners have gone on to be represented by galleries and earn major fellowships and form strong contacts in the industry.

“We hang all the artwork in a gallery space and it’s a great opportunity for young artists to network and get their names out there,” Thompson says.

Entries are open until February 8 2019, and the first 80 entrants to pay the $50 entry fee will be provided with a complimentary canvas.

ENTRIES CLOSE FRI 8 FEB, 2019 | $50 ENTRY | See the event listing