The call has gone out to all LGBTQI artists to get their entries ready for the 14th annual bentART exhibition.
Established in the Blue Mountains in 2005, the exhibition to be held in June, celebrates the works in the visual arts of Australian lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex artists.
Entries open on March 19 and close on May 14. The exhibition is held for four days over the June long weekend at Wentworth Falls School of Arts, with all artworks for sale and great cash prizes awarded.
“BentART was inspired by three Blue Mountains women for Blue Mountains artists living in or with a strong association to the Mountains. In 2010 it evolved into a national exhibition and is now the largest LGBTI art event in Australia,” said bentART committee president Julianne McWhirter.
Over the years many well known artists have exhibited in bentART, including Ruth Le Cheminant, James Blackwell, April White, Chia Moan, Trudie Moore, Sue Lightfoot, Raewyn Proctor and Valerie Ingham.
“BentART provides professional and aspiring LGBTI artists a fantastic platform to showcase their artworks,” she said.
BentART is a not-for-profit organisation run by a volunteer committee and relies on the support of sponsors who have an interest in supporting arts in the community (see website for details.)
“The 2018 bentART promotional design symbolises that on December 9 2017, Australia achieved the overwhelming victory of marriage equality, bringing us one step closer to living in peace,” Ms McWhirter said.
Last year the exhibition’s opening night was well attended, with more than 350 people showing up to enjoy the 107 works of art by 55 artists.
The exhibition is curated and judged by experts from within the Australian arts community.
See www.bentart.com.au for more information.