FOR young artists who want to develop and express their creativity and artistic talents, Spotlight Art Competition is one of the best platforms to do so.
This was evidenced by the increase of the number of submissions from 40 last year to 86 this year when the competition was held for the second consecutive year.
Spotlight 2019, which was organised by Penang Art District, featured the artworks by the top 20 finalists.
The art exhibition started from Nov 11 until Dec 8 this year.
State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said Spotlight is a nationwide art competition that open for artists aged 30 and below.
“It offers to nurture young Malaysian talents by providing emerging artists the opportunity to showcase their artworks and undergo an intensive mentorship programme.
“Nurturing and investing in creativity are vital in preserving our cultural expression and identity.
“Thus, by supporting and encouraging the young generation in the pursuit of the arts, we ensure continuity of the arts for its aesthetic and historical significance,” Yeoh said.
He was giving his speech before officiating the group exhibition opening and prize-giving ceremony of Spotlight Art Competition at Jetty 35 in Weld Quay, George Town, recently.
Also present were Penang State Art Gallery chairman Lee Khai (who is also the Penang Art District adviser) and renowned Malaysian artist Bibi Chew.
During the prize-giving ceremony, a young artist Iona Moira Evemarie Danald was the grand prize winner of Spotlight 2019 and went home with RM5,000 cash, a mentorship opportunity and also a solo exhibition during ArtPenang2020 next year.
Five other participants of the top 20 finalists were also presented with the Jury’s Choice Award of RM1,000 each.
They were Iskandar Zamri, Ho Su San, Sheryn Tanya Speldewinde, Chua Hui Qin and Ho Chung Kwang.
Yeoh added that the competition’s success also reflected the effectiveness of PAD strategies in making PAD an incubation centre for aspiring and emerging artists who are looking for support and opportunities to expand their creative career.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal