Entries are now being received for Paper On Skin 2020, Burnie’s wearable paper art competition. The biennial competition was first held in 2012 and its Gala Award Evening has become a premier event on the Tasmanian cultural calendar.
Entries must be made from at least 80% paper, presenting a unique challenge for participating artists. The competition is not themed, allowing entrants to explore their passions and develop pieces around specific areas of interest. At each event the catwalk parade delivers a diverse array of ‘stories’, ensuring an entertaining and engaging evening for the audience.
The originator of the concept of a wearable paper art competition is ‘Burnie born and bred’ paper artist Pam Thorne. Burnie’s history is inextricably linked to paper, with the pulp mill being the city’s key industry from the mid 1900’s through to its closure in 2010.
The Design Eye Creative Major Prize is $5000, making it one of the single richest wearable art awards in the country. The total prize pool is $10000 including three new awards. In 2016 the event attracted entries from every Australian state and territory. In 2018 the competition opened to international entrants.
Paper On Skin is run in partnership with the Burnie City Council. Entries are open until 28 February 2020 and need to be accompanied by the entry form. Judging will take place during the following months with the Gala Event and Award Evening on 19 June 2020 at the Burnie Arts and Function Centre.
