2012 BENDIGO BANK MATERIAL GIRL EXHIBITION – “Speak to Me!”

Prize money of $3,500 is on offer for Tasmanian women artists in this year’s Material Girl award and exhibition. With the theme of “Speak to Me!” as inspiration, we are anticipating an exciting pool of entries in this annual event.

In 2011, the competition with a theme of ‘Women Behind the Wheel’ attracted a strong field of entries. Entries ranged from glass art, to hand coloured digital photographs to watercolours. Artists from all around the state entered the competition.

Sponsorship by Rio Tinto Alcan, Zonta International and the Premier’s Department has provided the funds for awards which will be allocated to prizes for overall excellence and emerging artist as well as a people’s choice award.

This year, Tasmanian Regional Arts has secured a major new sponsor – The Bendigo Bank. In addition, the exhibition has been recognized by the Australian Business and Arts Foundation under the Premiers Arts Partnership Fund. This additional financial assistance will allow TRA to lift the profile of this competition and touring show that focusses on the creative contributions of Tasmania’s women artists.

Zonta International is a world wide organisation of executives in business and the professions working together to advance the status of women through service and advocacy. Material Girl is a high priority and has been consistently supported by Zonta for many years as a way of acknowledging excellence in women’s art.

The exhibition is returning to the South of the state this year and will be held at the Moonah Arts Centre, opening on Friday 11 May 2012. Selected works will then tour the state for the rest of the year through the Tasmanian Regional Arts touring program hosted by local arts council branches across the state.

Entries close on Tuesday 1 May 2012 with a non-refundable participation fee of $15 per entry. Further information and entry forms can be found on the Tasmanian Regional Arts website: www.tasregionalarts.org.au or by contacting the TRA office on 6426 2344.
Jo Hansen, Curator of the 2012 Bendigo Bank Material Girl Exhibition