Open Contemporary Young Artist Award Shortlist Announced
The shortlist for our Open Contemporary Young Artist Award has been announced and we want you to choose our People's Choice Winner!
Our Open Contemporary Young Artist Award profiles young up and coming talent from across the UK. Launched earlier this year, this national open call was a unique opportunity for artists aged 35 and under, working in a range of media, to submit work for inclusion in a group exhibition at The Biscuit Factory. From more than 600 entries, we have curated a shortlist of 27 artists who will exhibit with us this summer.
The overall winner, announced at the end of July, will receive a cash prize of £1000 and the opportunity for a solo show later in the year. All work in the exhibition will be available to purchase, with 10 per cent of the proceeds going back to the gallery's charitable arm, The Biscuit Factory Foundation, to contribute to the facilitation of future arts projects in the region. 
The exhibition launches on Friday 19 May and forms part of our eclectic sound and vision themed line-up for The Late Shows – Newcastle and Gateshead's free annual late night culture crawl.
Rachel Brown, General Manager of The Biscuit Factory explains: “Following the success of our inaugural portrait award, we decided to focus on young artists this year. We were overwhelmed by the number of entries, spanning such a variety of styles and mediums, and hope that our exhibition will provide the shortlisted entrants with an unrivalled platform to showcase their work and raise their profile. We’ll be revealing both winners at the end of July and can’t wait to see how the public will vote!”
Self Portrait with Ill Fitting Bra and Stockings, Paul Brewster - 2016 WINNER
Choosing the shortlist
Our judges thoroughly enjoyed looking through and judging the entries this year and found it difficult to choose the shortlist because of the high standard of work that was displayed. Their final shortlist reflects the variety of artwork submitted - with sculpture, design work, prints, paintings, jewellery, light installation and photography all included.
The People's Choice Award
This summer we invite the public to vote for their People's Choice Winner, who will be awarded £250.
Cast your vote in gallery, or online via our facebook page.
The Open Contemporary Young Artist Award exhibition opens on Friday 19 May and runs until 20 August 2017.