Media

More than 40 entries have been received in the inaugural RACT Insurance Tasmanian Youth Portrait Prize. The winner will be announced at a function tomorrow (Tuesday) night.

Entries were received from all over the State. Tasmanians under the age of 30 were invited to paint a Tasmanian who had provided them with personal inspiration. As part of the judging, the artists were required to write a short note explaining how their subject had inspired them.

The entries have been judged by a panel including economist and Chair of the Tasmanian Arts Advisory Board, Saul Eslake, Tasmanian Archibald prize winner Geoff Dyer, and Josie Hurst, Exhibitions and Public Programs Officer, Devonport Regional Gallery.

The backers and instigators of the Prize – RACT Insurance, Clemenger Advertising, and Tasmanian Regional Arts – have chosen their favourite entry, which will be announced tomorrow at 11.30am, ahead of the judging panelís announcement tomorrow night of the official winner. The official winner will receive $5,000 and a trip for two to Sydney to view the Archibald Prize for Portraiture.

At tomorrow morning's preview at Wrest Point, artists and the instigators of the Prize will be available for interview, and portraits will be on display. Also available for interview will be Geoff Dyer, who won the Archibald Prize in 2003 for his portrait of fellow Tasmanian Richard Flanagan, and Josie Hurst. A glossy catalogue of entries will also be available for media. Following the announcement of the official winner tomorrow night, a selection of the entries will tour the State.

ENDS

For further information, Ralph Doedens, Chief Executive of RACT Insurance, on 6232 6383.