The North of England has already given the UK and the world some of its leading artists, designers and filmmakers and now organisers of a new award are hoping to find the Hockneys, Hirsts and Westwoods of tomorrow.
Hosted by The Civic in Barnsley, Northern Futures is designed to showcase new talent in the region and to promote it to a wider national and international audience.
Each year Northern Futures will focus on specialist areas of art and design. In this, its inaugural year, the categories are Fine Art; 3D Design; Fashion and Film and a judging panel comprising leading industry names and commentators from these sectors has been confirmed ahead of the April 30 submission deadline.
Prizewinners (each scooping £1,500) together with runners up from each category will have their work showcased within the Northern Futures Award Exhibition at The Civic, between July 28 and September 3 2010.
Organisers are pointing towards the likes of Henry Moore, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Damien Hirst, Mike Leigh, Danny Boyle, David Hockney and Peter Saville to illustrate the wealth of talent the region produces.
“It also counterpoints and compliments more London-based art and design awards,” explained Director of Northern Futures, Patrick Murphy. “We are proud to be from the North of England and very proud to champion and raise the profile of emerging creative talent.”
Murphy also singled out Barnsley’s The Civic as “a fantastic multi million pound arts venue and a great home for Northern Futures.”
Creatives aged 21-40, who were born, live or work in the North of England are invited to apply for the award. For more information and to take part see www.northernfutures.co.uk. There is a £20 entry fee.
