THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, yesterday, resuscitated  the Guyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition (GVACE), through which prizes of $1M will be available to competitors 16 years an older, under the patronage of President Donald Ramotar.
The others present at the ceremony, at Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, were Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony; Permanent Secretary in that Ministry, Mr. Alfred King; Director of Culture, Dr. James Rose; Chief Education Officer, Mr. Olato Sam, artists and lecturers of the E .R. Burrowes School of Art and other special invitees.
The contest, which was last held in 1994, is aimed at stimulating work of the highest standard by visual artists in support of efforts to provide encouragement for those artistically talented Guyanese.
The renewed rivalry is meant to be more than a forum for the judging and displaying of art work and, in this regard, it will have some special features, which are meant to enhance its development impact. This would see it being part of a week of activities which will specially focus on the visual arts.
These activities would include a master class for artists conducted by one or more of the judges and a public lecture, also delivered by one of the judges.
Another feature of the GVACE is that a special ‘promise award’ will be given to the youngest artist, under 25 years old, who the judges believe should be encouraged because of his or her outstanding talent shown.
Anthony, in his remarks yesterday, emphasised on the high standard of current artists and made mention of their works displayed during the 2008 Carifesta and just concluded Inter Guianas Cultural Festival.
Biennial
He recalled that the last competition was staged in 1994 after the previous years’ were called off due to poor quality of art work submitted. He noted that this competition is expected to be a biennial and national event.
President Ramotar spoke of the talent which would be showcased, noting that, with vast scenery, raw materials, a multi-ethnic society and culture, a keen and interesting competition is expected, since the works of the artists will bring food and pleasure in their vision.
The Head of State congratulated the responsible Ministry and all the others who worked on the organisation and wished them all success.
One of the coordinators, Mr. Philbert Gajadhar, who outlined the categories, rules and prizes for the rivalry, sought the assistance of the media to inform the public.
The judging will be done in six categories – paintings, drawings, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and photography – by a panel of five judges, who would include persons from Guyana and abroad, well experienced in the field of visual arts. Works may be entered on any theme of the artist’s choice and executed in any chosen style.
First prize winner will receive $500,000; second $300,000 and third $200,000. Gold, silver and bronze medals will go to the respective winners, while the special ‘promise award’ of G$200,000 goes to one person.
Registration forms are available from next week online at www.mcys.gov.gy and must be submitted to the E. R. Burrowes School of Art, Carifesta Avenue, Thomas Lands, also in Georgetown, by Friday November 23, 2012 not later than 15:00hrs.