By BRIDGET SCOTT
REFUGEES to Australia are being given the chance to showcase their artistic talent.
However, applicants must get in quick before the entries for the Heartlands Refugee Art Prize close.
The final date final date that pieces can be submitted to the competition is Friday 10 May. The competition provides the chance for local refugee artists to display their artwork.
Adam Baxter from AMES initiated the prize and said it was an important way to showcase the talents, artistic skills and creativity of refugee artists.
Paintings, drawings, photography and mixed media works from refugees who have arrived in Australia since 1970 are eligible.
The theme for this year’s competition is What I wish to see… and experienced entrant Mehdi Jaghuri is excited to submit his piece.
The 20-year-old from Berwick also entered last year and said there were many great aspects of the initiative.
“The best thing is the community environment,” he said
“You get to know different people, and it is good to see different artwork from different countries.”
Mr Jaghuri came to Australia from Afghanistan in 2005 and a friend told him about the competition.
He studies fine arts at university and said his course had helped a lot in creating his entry for the competition.
Mr Jaghuri is a little more confident this year than on his first attempt.
“The experience has given me confidence about how to produce my art,” he said.
He said designing his piece didn’t take a long time, but thinking of an idea to match the theme was difficult.
Mr Jaghuri recommended the competition for other refugees throughout the area.
“It’s the best way to connect with people from a different country and get to know each other very well,” he said.
This year’s winners will be announced at the exhibition launch on Thursday 20 June.
For more information call 9188 3681, visit www.multiculturalarts.com.au/heartlands or email fiesta@multiculturalarts.com.au.
