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Some 43 entries have come from all over Tasmania, each depicting a living Tasmanian. All the subjects are people – some well known Tasmanians – who have provided an inspiration in the lives of the artists. Each artist has included a written submission on why the subject provided personal inspiration.

The Tasmanian Youth Portrait Prize is aimed at providing a platform for emerging artists 30 years and younger to showcase their talent by painting a living Tasmanian. At the same time, it allows the artist to recognise someone who is important in the artistís life.

Ralph Doedens, Chief Executive of RACT Insurance, said he was delighted by the level of interest in the inaugural Tasmanian award. "Forty three entries went well beyond my expectations, and it indicates a need for emerging artists to have a platform to exhibit their talent and compete against other artists."

"While providing a showcase for emerging artists, we also wanted to enrich Tasmania, through the development of a portfolio of portraits of current Tasmanians. This will add to the archive of Tasmanian art in the first part of the 21st century, and will provide a valuable record of our times for future generations to come."

Winning entrants are being judged by a panel including economist and Chair of the Tasmanian Arts Advisory Board, Saul Eslake, Tasmanian Archibald prize winner Geoff Dwyer, and Josie Hurst, Exhibitions and Public Programs Officer, Devonport Regional Gallery.

Twenty eight of the top entries will form an exhibition to tour the State. The winner of the RACT Insurance Tasmanian Youth Portrait Prize will receive $5,000 and a trip for two to Sydney to view the Archibald Prize for Portraiture.

Conceived by Mr Doedens, the development of the Prize has been strongly supported by Clemenger Advertising and Tasmanian Regional Arts.

ENDS

For further information, Mr Doedens on 6232 6383