The National Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition has been a part of the programme offerings of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) since 1963. In 2007, the JCDC teamed up with the National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ) and began a  historic collaboration on the project. The programme consists of a national competition and exhibitions that highlight the wealth of talent and excellence in local visual arts expressions. We aim to unearth new talent and continue to provide a platform for experienced and developing artists. Our desire each year is to host competitive, exciting exhibitions that showcase the highest quality works of art that collectively give an insight into the current and emerging trends in Jamaican art.

To apply visit: http://nationalgalleryofjamaica.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/vis-arts-2012-entry-form-rules-single-pages-email.pdf

How is judging done?

Entries are judged on their individual merits for inclusion in the exhibition and for prizes. They are however, never seen in isolation and  therefore judges also consider the impact and consistent quality of the total exhibition. There are at least two rounds of elimination by the Judges to determine the entries that will be included in the national exhibition and further discussions determine Jury prizes. Jury decisions are made either by unanimous or majority vote.

What are we looking for?

Youth and self-taught or trained adult artists are welcome to participate. All aesthetic and thematic approaches are welcome. However, given the rigour of the adjudication process, artists are urged to submit works that are of the highest possible quality befitting the significance of a national exhibition. In this context, “quality” refers to the depth of engagement and seriousness of purpose manifested in the works and not to the possession of a particular set of skills or ideas of what art should look like.

For more information please visit: http://nationalgalleryofjamaica.wordpress.com/2012/04/05/3383/