Kempsey Shire Council is once again staging its "Waste into Art" competition for schools which offers substantial prizes in the form of cash vouchers so that the schools can invest in educational resources.

The competition was introduced in 2007 and has continued to run annually. One of the main aims of the competition is to spread the recycling and waste reduction message in a creative and innovative way. The concept has been well received in previous years with 10 local schools participating in 2009.

This year, to further enhance the “Waste into Art” message, one of the major judging criteria will be that the artworks reflect environmental sustainability or an environmental concern.  For example, last year’s winner titled “Wasteline”, focused on waste created by food packaging and highlighted our dependence on processed foods and the adverse affect this has on the environment as well as our waist lines.

Entry into the competition is free and there will be two (2) main categories:-

Each category has three age sections - Infants, Primary and Secondary. Prizes of $500 will be given to the school of the winners in each section, $250 for second place and $100 for third. Prize money of $1,000 is awarded to the school of the Overall Winning entry.

The entries will be judged on their creativity, recycling or environmental message portrayed, aesthetic merit, innovation, craftsmanship and quality of work. An important pre-requisite is that at least 90% of the artwork is made from waste materials. More details and information on entry and competition requirements are outlined in the entry form below which can be downloaded in pdf format. Adobe Reader is required to view this file. Links to the "Waste into Art" 2010 Poster and "Waste into Art" Photo Gallery are also listed.

"Waste into Art" 2010 Entry Form (1117 KB)
"Waste into Art" 2010 Poster (567 KB)
Photo Gallery - "Waste into Art" 2009

The closing date for entries is Friday, 10 September. The works of art, however, need only be completed by 18 October, ready for pre-selection judging (18-19 October) which occurs at the various schools.

An exhibition of "Waste into Art" finalists will be on display at the Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery in Gladstone, between 21 October and 24 October 2010, leading up to National Recycling Week (8-14 November).  Final judging takes place before the Opening of the Exhibition and Prize Giving Night on Thursday, 21 October 2010.

Thank you to our sponsors of "Waste into Art" 2010:-