The Dorset Arts Prize aims to create a broader, more inclusive vision for the arts in the county, while actively engaging the community. Graphic designers, sculptors, illustrators, painters and photographers aged over 14 can send their work to one of a number of different categories fitting this year’s theme of ‘Open’.

Diane Grannell, principal of Bournemouth & Poole College, said, “We are exceptionally proud of The Dorset Arts Prize, which is unlike any event held in this area. The annual event has given out more than £30,000 in prize money since it launched in 2014, and it has attracted over 600 submissions. We have also championed the fantastic artistic talent that we boast at the college, but it is also wonderful to see what younger and older members of the community can create.”

Sibyl King, director of the Fine Family Foundation, has joined the judging panel for 2018, alongside the current judges that include international artist Stuart Semple, international photographer Tony Worobiec, and museum and arts manager at Borough of Poole, Michael Spender.

Sibyl King said, “It is a wonderful honour to be invited to join the judging panel for The Dorset Arts Prize for 2018. I’ve followed the event each year and I’ve heard so much about the high calibre of entries submitted from people of all ages to form a real celebration of the visual arts in Dorset.”

Winners from all of the categories will be invited to an awards ceremony held at Poole Museum in October, with their work going on display for a month for the public to see and enjoy.

Michael Spender, museum and arts manager at Borough of Poole, said, “This is the first time that the awards ceremony will be hosted at Poole Museum, which will be a fantastic space to showcase the talent that Dorset boasts.

“We are hoping for more entries than ever before and we are sure that many people have read about the competition in previous years, but have yet to enter their work. Hopefully this will be the year that they let us see the fantastic visual artistic creativity that they have to offer.”

The Dorset Arts Prize is free to enter and is open to all Dorset residents over the age of 14. One piece of work can be submitted per entrant and can be created using any medium including 2D or 3D, painting, drawing, photography, illustration, moving image and other visual art specialisms. The deadline for entries is Saturday, 30 June.