NOW in its third year, the Waste 2 Art prize, which sees local makers create art from 100 per cent waste materials, has opened registration for 2025.
The event is a collaboration between NetWaste, The Broken Hill Art Exchange, and Lifeline, and the resulting artworks will be exhibited at the Geo Centre and Tip Shop.
Secretary of The Art Exchange, Nadina Benvenisti, said past events have been highly successful with more than 60 entries for each, and she expects this year to be no different.
“We’re very excited about this years event, which has the theme of ‘toys’,” she said.
“The idea is that people are invited to create artwork using manmade waste material.
“So for the theme of toys, that might be using old or broken toys to create an artwork or sculptural or functional object, or using materials to create a toy.”
The categories remain the same as in past years with awards for primary and high school, community, and professional artist on offer.
There are also separate categories for 2D and 3D work, and Ms Benvenisti said a new award has also been introduced.
“We’re offering a new category which is for preschool this year, which we thought would suit because the theme is toys,” she said.
Artworks will be shown in June at a two exhibition at the Geo Centre, and the Tip Shop will display metalwork objects, which Ms Benevisti said they hope to see more of this year.
“We’re also really keen to include more metal,” she said.
“We have such a community of metalworkers in town that quite often don’t even consider themselves as artists, we’d love to see what they come up with!”
Ms Benevisti reminded entrants to ensure their artwork conformed to the rules and spirit of the art prize.
“NetWaste have said it needs to be 100 per cen waste, so craft objects and things can’t be used,” she said.
“NetWaste have post a video on YouTube which is linked on our website so people can see what that might look like.”
Local winners will have their work sent off to Dubbo to compete in the regional final in September, with more cash prizes on offer.
Ms Benevisti said as part of the competition the Art Exchange will be offering artist-led workshops in March and April, as well as crafternoons at the Exchange.
She also said the Broken Hill City Council have supported the initiative with a Community Assistance Grant.
“We really want to thank them as they’ve been very generous and supportive,” she said.
