The RACT Insurance, Tasmanian Youth Portraiture Prize - Entries have been shortlisted and the winner is soon to be announced!

Young Tasmanian artists have taken a long hard look at themselves this year for the RACTI Tasmanian Youth Portraiture Prize, with self portraits being the most popular subject matter for entrants. With over 70 entries this year, the prize, open statewide, to artists under thirty, is growing rapidly. This year’s judges, artists Troy Ruffles (Launceston) Wayne Brooks (Hobart), and Jane Haley from the Australian Business Arts Foundation (Melbourne) have a very tough task ahead of them in selecting the 2011 winner. From such an overwhelming amount of worthy artwork, they have managed to shortlist 35 entries for 2011.

The RACTI Tasmanian Youth Portraiture Prize boasts an extremely high standard of entries, and provides the opportunity for artists to exhibit alongside peers from around the state. The prize facilitates artists in building relationships with one another, their local and broader arts communities, and showcasing their works to family, friends and industry professionals including experienced artists, curators and buyers of contemporary art.

Developing a professional mindset, as well as a creative CV is a must for talented young artists. RACT Insurance and Tasmanian Regional Arts have partnered again this year to present the 4th Tasmanian Youth Portrait Prize. The partnership was the winner of the ‘ABaF - City of Brisbane Encouragement Award for new Business Partnerships’ in 2009. The RACTI Tasmanian Youth Portraiture Prize, has become a sought after opportunity - to be selected for exhibition and toured to three distinguished arts venues around the state.

This year’s winner will receive $5000, and a research visit to the Art Gallery of New South Wales to see the best of portraiture Nationwide, at the Archibald Prize.

Come along and see the incredible array of talent on display at The RACTI Tasmanian Youth Portraiture Prize, support your young Tasmanian artists: Opening at the Academy Gallery in Launceston on September 9th – 30th. Devonport Regional Art Gallery: 7th– 23rd October, and at the Long Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre in Hobart 16th – 30th November.