‘Self Portrait with Aurora Australis’ Doug Thost ©
The Australian Antarctic Festival (AAF), a celebration of Tasmania’s enduring
connection to the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, have announced that
applications for the 2018 photography competition are now open.
The inaugural competition in 2016 was an outstanding success, with 24
finalists selected from a field of more than 80 international entries.
Images must have been captured in the last three years (taken after June 29,
2015) and can only be submitted by the photographer. The geographical area
is restricted to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean south of 50 degrees S
latitude. Photographers retain copyright at all times and entries close on June
29, 2018. Entry fee applies.
With significant prize money on offer ($5,000 first prize, $2,000 second prize)
and a major exhibition at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, this is an
excellent opportunity open to professional and amateur photographers.
A panel of qualified judges will select from the field to find a maximum of 30
finalists, notified by email in July 2018. The images will be professionally
printed and mounted in Hobart for an exhibition at the prestigious Tasmanian
Museum & Art Gallery, opening in early August for a three-week show. Public
admission to the exhibition is free. A ‘People’s Choice Award’ of $500 is
determined by votes submitted at the exhibition.
Event Director Paul Cullen said that the photographs in the 2016 event were
simply spectacular and that taking part in the exhibition is a brilliant
opportunity to advance your passion for fine photography and look back on
your experience ‘Down South’.
Mr Cullen said, ‘The quality of the images, both amateur and professional
were outstanding and I expect the judging panel to have a difficult time
choosing the finalists.’
In 2016, more than 4,500 people saw the exhibition and it achieved significant
media coverage in Australia and overseas.
In addition to the international photography competition the festival includes
open days at the Mawson’s Hut replica, the CSIRO and IMAS, lectures and
exhibitions, ship and aircraft tours, and a schools’ program bringing
Tasmanian school children to Hobart to visit the Australian ice breaker Aurora
Australis and the CSIRO’s RV Investigator.
The festival runs for four days, from 2 to 5 August 2018, with a full program
soon to be made available on www.antarcticfestival.com.au
WHAT: The Australian Antarctic Festival
WHEN: 2 to 5 August 2018
WHERE: Princes Wharf, Castray Esplanade,
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
INFORMATION: visit www.antarcticfestival.com.au
Bob Catchpole
