Wollondilly Shire Council’s annual Illuminate ‘Waste to Art’ Exhibition and Competition, run in partnership with Southern Tablelands Arts, is once again challenging the way we look at waste.

The exhibition and competition give emerging and professional artists the chance to explore and share their waste reduction messages whilst showcasing their artistic abilities - with the chance to win up to $1000 in prize money.

Mayor Robert Khan said, “The Waste to Art Exhibition and Competition aims to communicate issues and inspire people to think differently about waste, litter and over-consumption”

“Each year, it is always inspiring to see the way the entrants use waste and recycled materials to put together some amazing creations,” he said.

Entries are now open, and artworks considered for the exhibition can include:

• A 2D or 3D sculpture, assemblage, collage or textile artwork created from used and recycled material
• A functional object that you can use or wear created from used and recycled material

The competition is open to people who live in the Southern Tablelands Arts Regions of Wollondilly, Wingecarribee, Goulburn Mulwaree, Yass Valley, Upper Lachlan and Hilltops, or the Macarthur Region including Camden and Campbelltown.

This year there are three categories in the competition:

1. OPEN - 18 years of age and over (including professional artists)

First prize $1,000.00 / Second prize $500.00

2. YOUTH - 12 to 17 years of age

First prize $500.00 / Second prize $250.00

3. JUNIOR - 7 to 11 years of age

First prize $250.00 / Second prize $100.00

There will be two free Waste to Art workshops held at the Wollondilly Community Nursery, Wonga Rd, Picton.

1. Adults - Saturday 4 September 10am - 4pm
2. Children - Sunday 5 September 10am - 1pm

The competition is open for submissions until Wednesday 8 September 2021. Head to the Illuminate website for more information.

Successful artists will be advised by email and posted on the Illuminate website on Friday 10 September 2021.

The winners of the three categories will be announced at 12pm at the Colden Street Exhibition Area by the Mayor of Wollondilly Shire Council.

The exhibition will be on display to the public on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 September from 10am - 2pm and Saturday 18 September from 12pm - 9pm.