The 2024 Clutha Youth Art Competition is for young artists aged 13-21 who live in, or come from, the Clutha district.
"The committee felt that we should shake things up a bit after a break from the art competition last year," LCA community arts facilitator Rachel Taylor said.
"In 2023 we ran a photographic exhibition which saw young people entering great work and we thought we’d like to encourage that again this year."
Lawrence Creative Arts works with local and visiting creative experts to share their skills, aiming to improve community connection through art and performance.
This year’s youth competition is open to two-dimensional and 3D works, excluding photography and digital art.
The prize pool totals $1750 and the group is particularly excited about professional artist Andrew Tischler’s prize of a year’s subscription to his Tischler Academy.
"When the group approached me I was more than happy to support this great cause and give some of my experience to help develop the next generation of local artists," he said.
Mr Tischler’s Lawrence gallery will also be the venue for the exhibition from July 19-21. Winners will be announced at the formal opening and prizegiving on July 20.
School pupils are welcome to enter their NCEA examination work and can offer their work for sale.
"Often in rural communities there aren’t as many opportunities for creative people to find out or demonstrate what they can do," Mrs Taylor said.
"Our competitions are to create those opportunities and also raise awareness and support for the workshops, music, literature and other artistic events we’re excited to host in Lawrence."
Entries are open online via Facebook and close on July 5.
