The Biscuit Factory Foundation launches its new national Open Contemporary Portrait Award. This national open call is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for artists working in a range of media to submit work that engages with the theme of portraiture, which will then be considered for inclusion in a group exhibition at The Biscuit Factory – the UK's largest art, craft and design gallery located in the heart of Newcastle's cultural quarter.

The Biscuit Factory Foundation is the gallery's charitable arm, which aims to nurture and develop the practice and appreciation of the visual arts in the North East of England through an engaging and varied programme of creative opportunities. Open to established and emerging artists, the exhibition will provide a commercial platform; with the overall winner receiving a cash prize of £1000 and the opportunity for a solo show at The Biscuit Factory later this year.

Entries will be judged by a panel of experts, including 2014 BP Portrait Award second prize winner, Richard Twose. The public will also vote for their People's Choice Winner, who will be awarded £250. All work in the exhibition will be available to buy, with 10 per cent of proceeds going back to The Biscuit Factory Foundation to contribute towards the facilitation of future projects.

Rachel Brown, General Manager of The Biscuit Factory says: “We're delighted to host this new award in support of The Biscuit Factory Foundation, which will spotlight the ever-evolving genre of portrait art. We're looking for submissions across a mix of mediums - from fine art, photography, handmade prints and sculpture - to glass, ceramics, textiles and jewellery and can't wait to see how artists up and down the country will interpret this year's theme. Having Richard Twose on board as our lead judge also gives our entrants a rare opportunity to have their work critiqued by a leading artist, who himself has been through a similar process with the prestigious BP Portrait Prize.”

The Open Contemporary Portrait Award closes at midnight on Friday 11th March 2016. For more information on how to enter, please visit The Biscuit Factory website at www.thebiscuitfactory.com.

Posted: 4 February 2016

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