The prize money has increased from $7500 to a total of $50 000, making it one of the most lucrative photography competitions in the country.
Heritage chief executive officer Peter Lock said lifting the prize money would help give the competition the profile it deserved, as well as inspire photographers at all levels across Australia.“The Heritage Bank Photographic Awards has been a renowned competition in Australian photography circles for more than 30 years,” Mr Lock said.“They are open to anyone across Australia, so you can take part no matter what level of experience you might have.“The awards are all about fostering the art of photography and encouraging people to get creative.”The awards now offer a $15 000 first prize for the Open category, which can be any subject, and the Themed category, which this year is ‘Resilience'.A new mobile category has been introduced for the first time, offering a $5000 prize for the best image taken on a mobile phone or tablet.There is also a $5000 prize for the chief executive officer's choice entry.
Mr Lock said this year’s themed category of ‘Resilience’ offered the perfect opportunity for people to unleash their creative talents and tackle a stimulating challenge during COVID-19 restrictions.“What a time we’ve been living through.“We’ve had a devastating drought, horrific bushfires, floods in some parts and now the pandemic.“Through it all we’ve seen the triumph of the human spirit and the way Australians just keep bouncing back and making the best of unbelievably difficult circumstances.“That’s why the theme of resilience is perfect this year. “It’s the ideal chance for you to capture an image showcasing the resilience that typifies the Aussie spirit in the face of adversity.”
The competition is free to enter for Australian residents, with no photography background or experience required.There are also prizes on offer in three youth categories, including: nine years or younger, 10 to 13 years, and 14 to 17 years.
Entries in this year’s awards close at 5 pm on Friday, June 26.The winners will be advised in late July and the top 50 images will be exhibited at the USQ Arts Gallery in Toowoomba in September 2020.
For more information and to enter, go to: https://www.heritage.com.au/about/sponsorship/photographic-awards