The much-loved FOCUS Photography Awards Exhibition has returned to Mission Arts, inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to showcase their work in one of the region’s most anticipated annual exhibitions.
Sponsored by Tassal, the awards have been a staple on the local arts calendar since 2011, drawing entrants from across Far North Queensland, including Cairns, Townsville and the Tablelands.
This year’s exhibition features 13 categories and a total of $2,450 in prizes. In addition to category awards, entrants are eligible for the Display Team Prize, Judges’ Choice Award and People’s Choice Award, thanks to the support of local sponsors.
The exhibition will officially open on Friday, 13 March at 6pm with a ticketed Opening Night and Awards Presentation. It will remain on display from 13 March to 21 April, with the gallery open daily from 10am to 2pm. Works will also be available to view and purchase online, and the People’s Choice winner will be announced on 22 April.
Featured categories include the Underwater Photography Award, sponsored by Great Barrier Reef Safaris, celebrating the region’s marine environment. Other categories span Abstract and Still Life, Macro, People, Animals, Sports/Action, Travel, Wet Tropics Flora and Fauna, plus landscape, seascape and townscape themes. Youth sections are open to both primary and secondary students.
Entries close on Friday, 27 February at 2pm, with printed works to be delivered in early March to Tully Mission Beach Road, MARCS Park, Mission Beach. A Judges’ Commentary and Feedback Session will be held on Saturday, 14 March.
For full details, including entry guidelines and key dates, visit the Mission Arts website: missionarts.org.au
Underwater Photography is a key category of the awards! Photo source: @greatbarrierreefsafaris
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