Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd has increased its sponsorship of the Castellani House biennial National Drawing Competition by $120,000, to a total sum of $500,000 in funding. The bank’s sponsorship will fund the striking of competition medals in gold, silver and bronze, and accompanying monetary prizes awarded to first, second and third prize winners, and a winner in the special Young Persons’ 16 to 18 years category. Related administrative costs will also be met from sponsorship funds.

The 8th biennial competition is currently under way, with a deadline for receipt of artists’ entries on September 18 next. Details of competition rules can be had from the National Gallery, Castellani House on Vlissengen Road and from all branches of Republic Bank.

Republic Bank has provided sponsorship of the National Drawing Competition from its inception in 1996. The bank has had a notable record of corporate support not only for this competition, but for other social and community initiatives, most recently through its Power to Make a Difference programme. It is already known for having acquired over several years a collection containing works by some of Guyana’s leading artists.

Ms. Michelle Johnson, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Republic Bank, will hand over the symbolic sponsorship cheque to the Director and Curator of the National Gallery, Elfrieda Bissember, today at Castellani House.