The inaugural Spencil Art Prize 2021 has attracted more than 1000 entries from young artists.
As the only nationally significant prize for any subject from artists under 13 years of age, kids from all over Australia and New Zealand have embraced the opportunity to share their creative endeavours with the world. The first time Spencil Art Prize opened for entries on 6 January. Works entered to date have highlighted the extraordinary talent that exists in our youngest artists that has gone unacknowledged for too long, until now. They have demonstrated a true love of creativity and an extraordinary depth of observation of themselves and the world around them.
General Manager of Spencil, Caitlin Spencer has said Spencil is proud to create one of the very few art competitions for children in both age groups. “The Spencil Art Prize is as a unique and unmissable opportunity for artists up to 13 years of age, not least because every eligible entry is hung in our online gallery. The uncapped creativity of our contestants has resulted in a magnificent variety of subject matter. They are tackling exciting themes like sustainability of our environment, exotic animals, native flora and fauna, fantasy creatures, impressionism, exciting people, places and of course covid,” said Caitlin.
We are particularly impressed with the ability of our young artists to approach these topics with a truckload of colour and enthusiasm, making light of what could be perceived as some pretty heavy topics, she said. Artist, teacher and The Spencil Art Prize judge Ray Coffey said he finds the lens through which our young artists work to be particularly inspiring. “A child’s work contains a sincerity that can be lost in their adulthood,” said Ray.
Spencil judge, Carrie McCarthy has said it has been inspiring to see the positive impact The Spencil Art Prize is having on young artists. “It’s so great to see kids bursting with confidence in their abilities after finishing a masterpiece, and it reminds those of us who work in the arts sector why we do it,” said Carrie.
Each major prize includes an artist collab with Spencil’s in-house designers, a $100 cash prize, an award certificate and school supplies for the winners’ school valued at $500. While the idea of winning a major prize might be exciting, Spencil is adamant that the purpose of The Art Prize is to celebrate individuality and creative self-expression through art and this is why they have not limited the number of entries per child.
Judge Sarah Barron said it is important to inspire children to create artwork for their personal development. “It’s important to celebrate young artists to foster not only their artmaking skills, but their ability to think creatively, imagine and express themselves – all vital skills for life!,” said Sarah.
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