Conscious of the scarce supply of drawing exhibitions available to the public, we invite artists to join our unique competition and showcase their concepts reflecting a view of the significance and role of drawing in contemporary art.
The biennale competition acknowledges the universal value of drawing and is proudly brought to you by the Polish Art Foundation (PAF), based in Melbourne, Australia.
For the purpose of outlining the scope of the competition, drawing is defined as the record of a tool moving across a surface in the form of an artistic expression. The work can be presented in pencil, crayon, conte, charcoal, pen or combined with a brush using any of the previous tools, on paper or other suitable material. The competition organiser also invites works created by utilising mechanical and electronic means such as photography, film, video, and new media as long as drawing is part of the creative process.
Formula
Open, biannual competition, held in Melbourne, Australia.
Important dates
Deadline for entries: 1st September 2023
Exhibition Dates: 16th - 22nd October 2023
Deadline for artwork drop off (in person): 10am to 12 noon, 16th October 2023
Deadline for artwork delivered by post: by 10 October 2023, contact The Biennale Curator via polishartfoundation@gmail.com for address details.
Artwork collection: 10am-5pm on the date of closing.
Prizes
• First Prize: $5,000 cash (non-acquisitive)
• Innovation Prize: $1,000 voucher
• People’s Choice Award: selected by audience
Jury
The organisers will select a jury, of up to five members, representing practising artists, theoreticians and/or art critics. Two jurors will be PAF members. Decisions of the Jury will be final, and no disputes will be entered into.
Exhibition location
No Vacancy Gallery, 34-40 Jane Bell Lane, Melbourne
Conditions of entry
Participation in the biennale is open to all artists without any exception. Any work created in the last two years, can be presented at the biennale, provided it has not been shown at any former competition and remains at the time, the artist’s property. No works from the curator of the biennale or Jury members may be accepted for this competition.
A single artist may present a maximum of three works. Works can be 2-dimensional or 3- dimensional.
All physical works must measure: From 20 x 30cm to a maximum of 90 x 90cm.
Submission of works for Jury Selection
Works to be submitted online via PAF’s website www.polishartfoundation.org.au or via email to polishartfoundation@gmail.com, subject heading: Biennale entry 2023 and clearly state your name, and title of each work when sending the email.
All work needs to be submitted as an electronic high-resolution image for the purposes of entering the competition, file specification: jpg, 300ppi (pixels per inch).
For work presented digitally and three-dimensional works, contact PAF to confirm measurements before submitting. PAF will select artworks that can be accommodated with the available gallery space and equipment. For video, and screen-based work artists, provide a password-protected link for download (Vimeo). Video file sizes must be no larger than 500MB.
To complete the Biennale Submission Form and payment click here.
Once works are selected by the Jury
Once artworks are selected by the Jury panel, participants will be contacted by PAF. Unlabelled works may not be exhibited at discretion of PAF, and in these cases the exhibition fee will not be refunded.
Specific requests especially in relation to any technology or screen-based work(s) need to be directed to the Polish Art Foundation before the close of entry date to assess any individual installation needs. Specific technology-based work enquiries can also be directed to Agata Mayes at contact@agatamayes.com.au
Special Instructions for Technology Based Works:
All entrants submitting screen-based, technology-based and 3D work must provide the installation instructions and ensure all associated equipment including televisions, screens, USBs, and remote controls are all supplied. All equipment needs to be labelled and installation instructions must be clear. All technology must be tested and tagged.
Any technology-based works will need to be approved and will only be accepted if the proposed installation method can be accommodated in the exhibition space. This needs to be confirmed with the organisers, prior to submitting any work proposals.
Other Important Matters
It is the artist’s responsibility to ensure that their work does not infringe on copyright. Copyright or licensing of each artwork must belong to the artist. PAF will retain 30% of proceeds from each sold work presented at the biennale.
While all care is taken to ensure safety of artwork, in line with best industry practice, the Polish Art Foundation takes no responsibility for damaged artwork.
The Polish Art Foundation (PAF) reserves the right to use images of works and artist information to publish the exhibition catalogue, and in all event promotion activities. Images or other content used for promotion may be published on the PAF social media channels, and other non-commercial means of promoting the work, exhibition, and PAF as an organisation. Please note, by submitting their image/s, entrants are subject to Facebook’s terms and conditions, and Instagram's terms and conditions. Further, by submitting their images or content, entrants also consent to PAF cropping or editing their work to fit the layout of abovementioned platforms or promotional materials, if necessary. Should an entrant’s work be published, they will be fully credited by the Polish Art Foundation. Please note, your text copy may need to be shortened to accommodate layout.
Entry
$40.00 per artwork will be charged under the terms of this competition for non-members. Current PAF members will be charged $30 per work.
Only selected entries will be exhibited.
National and international artists are welcome. International artists are responsible for the freight costs and taxes incurred on their artworks.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
All those whose works have been selected for the exhibition will be invited to the Official Opening and will receive a free copy of the catalogue at the time of the exhibition. Those unable to attend will receive a PDF copy of the catalogue.
Entries close 1st September 2023 (Digital format).
Delivery of artwork
Delivering in person: Artwork must arrive 16th October between 10am-12 noon
Delivering by Australia Post or Courier: Artwork must arrive by 10th October marked to the attention of the Biennale Curator. Email polishartfoundation@gmail.com to confirm mailing address details.
If the artwork is not delivered by these dates, it will not be included in the exhibition and fees will not be refunded!
Delivery and return costs are at the expense of the artist.
Artwork that arrives damaged will not be installed.
Packaging will not be stored by Polish Art Foundation for artists dropping off works in person. Artists are responsible for bringing the appropriate packaging for transport of works upon collection.
Displaying work
• All works on paper will be pinned through unless alternative tabs are supplied in advance. If you would prefer your work to be pinned through tabs, the artist is responsible for providing and preparing works for such installation before drop off.
• If your work cannot be pinned through and does not have a sufficient hanging mechanism on the back that will hold the work up for the duration of the exhibition the work will not be hung, and you will not be refunded your entry fee.
• Works on canvas will be hung via their stretcher frames where appropriate.
• Objects will be displayed at PAF’s discretion.
Collection and return of works
Artist/courier collection in person: Unsold works MUST be collected from the No Vacancy gallery. Work not collected by the nominated date may be charged a $20 late fee, unless alternative arrangements are made.
A proxy may be nominated by the artist to collect on their behalf. Proxy’s names must be emailed to the Biennale Curator and their matching ID must be shown to collect the artwork.
Interstate and remote artists: Unsold works can be posted back to artists via courier. This is the ONLY option for postal return of works. It is the artist's responsibility to contact the Polish Art Foundation to request this service, prior to the start of the exhibition.
All unsold works will be returned within 6 months of closing the exhibition.
Courier returns process: PAF will obtain a quote for courier delivery back to the artist. Return of works via courier is at the artist's expense.
If no request is made by the artist for courier return, artworks may be treated as uncollected and disposed of on the aforementioned date.
For more information
For all direct enquiries email:
polishartfoundation@gmail.com or
contact the Biennale Curator
Ms Grazyna Kubic mob: 0412 605 862
Polish Art Foundation Incorporated
PO Box 227 Bentleigh Victoria 3204 Australia