Art My Word 2025 – Artist Guidelines, Terms & Conditions

The Art My Word team on Macleay Island is excited to announce the fourth chapter of our much-loved exhibition and challenge, Art My Word – a celebration of art, storytelling, and community.

Below are the entry guidelines for all 2D and 3D visual art submissions to the Art My Word Challenge:

 

General Entry Information

1. Entry Fee & Book Inspiration
   A non-refundable entry fee of $25 applies. This includes a randomly selected second-hand book, which artists may keep and use as inspiration. If you choose not to use the book, please consider donating it back to the Macleay Island Community Library.

2. Agreement to Terms
   By submitting your artwork, you agree to abide by all the terms and conditions outlined here.

3. Sales & Commission
   All artworks must be for sale. A 25% commission will be deducted from the sale price.

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Visual Art Categories

For 2025, we are offering two creative categories:

• Category A: Artwork physically made using the book. (Let us know if you need more book material).

• Category B: Artwork inspired by the book.

Artists have complete freedom in interpretation and medium. Acceptable formats include, but are not limited to: painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, photography, and installation.

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Important Submission Requirements

1. Photo Submissions of Artworks (Due by September 14th)
   Email 1–3 clear, well-lit photographs of your completed work to artmyword@gmail.com by Saturday, September 14th, 2025.

   • Use natural light, avoid cluttered backgrounds, and ensure sharp focus. The photos may be used for our online gallery.

   • Include in your email:

     • Artist’s full name

     • Phone number

     • Suburb

     • Category (A or B)

     • Title of the work

     • Dimensions

     • Medium used

     • Price (including 25% commission)

     • A brief artist statement (max 150 words – optional but highly encouraged) explaining how your piece connects to the book. This helps both judges and visitors engage more deeply with your work.

2. Art Delivery (Monday, October 13th)
   Deliver artwork to Macleay Island Arts Complex (MIAC), 95 Coast Road, on Monday, October 13th between 10am–3pm, or arrange alternate delivery with the Art My Word team. If transport from the jetty is needed, please let us know.

3. Art Labelling Requirements
   All artworks must be clearly labelled with:

   • Artist's Name

   • Title of Work

   • Sale Price (inclusive of 25% commission)

4. Framing & Hanging
   2D artworks must be ready to hang with D-rings placed ⅓ from the top and fitted with a taut wire.

5. Display Conditions
   Please ensure your work can withstand light breezes – the gallery may have open doors during the event.

6. Judging Decisions
   All decisions made by the judging panel and curators are final. Art My Word reserves the right to not accept or remove any entry that does not comply with the terms and conditions or that is deemed offensive, derogatory, racist or breach of copyright.

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Awards & Prizes

• Category A – Made from the Book: $800 prize

• Category B – Inspired by the Book: $800 prize

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Post-Exhibition Information​

1. Collection of Unsold Work 
   Unsold artwork can be picked up on Sunday, Nov 9th (3-4pm) or Monday, Nov 10th (10am–3pm) or by special arrangement with the Art My Word team.
   Note: Artwork not collected by November 16th becomes the property of Art My Word.

2. Handling Disclaimer
   While every care will be taken, Art My Word staff are not liable for any damage to artworks during setup, exhibition, or takedown.

3. Copyright
   The provided books are protected by copyright. Artists are encouraged to use them as inspiration rather than directly replicate text or imagery. It is the artist’s responsibility to avoid copyright infringement.
   For guidance, visit:
   About copyright | National Library of Australia (NLA)

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Promotional Use

Art My Word reserves the right to photograph artworks and use images for promotional purposes on social media, brochures, websites, etc. Images will not be used for resale unless the artist provides explicit permission.

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Key Dates

• Saturday, July 5th – Art My Word Launch

• From Monday July 7th – Register & collect your book from Macleay Island Community Library, 26 Russell Terrace

• Sunday, September 14th – Photos & artist statement due via email

• Monday, October 13th – Art delivery to MIAC (10am–3pm)

• Friday, October 17th – Ticketed Cocktail Event (6pm)

• Saturday, October 25th – Community Event & Visual arts Awards

• Sunday, November 2nd – Art My Story Day (Author talks, readings, workshop)

• October 18th to Nov 9th – Exhibition open daily (10am–3pm)

• Sunday, November 9th – Pickup of unsold artwork (3pm to 4pm) or Monday, November 10th – Pickup of unsold artwork (10am to 1pm)

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Gallery Sitting

Macleay Island Arts Complex is open 7 days a week, 10am to 3pm and MIAC will staff the exhibition Monday to Friday. Please let us know which days you are available to do gallery sitting, though you would only be required to help on one shift.

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Email Availability for gallery sitting with entry information by Sep 14th:

 

Saturday Oct 18 AM 10am-12.30 ☐      Saturday Oct 18 PM 12.30-3pm ☐

Sunday Oct 19 AM 10am-12.30 ☐        Sunday Oct 19 PM 12.30-3pm ☐

Saturday Oct 25 AM 10am-12.30 ☐      Saturday Oct 25 PM 12.30-3pm ☐

Sunday Oct 26 AM 10am-12.30 ☐        Sunday Oct 26 PM 12.30-3pm ☐

Saturday Nov 1 AM 10am-12.30 ☐       Saturday Nov 1 PM 12.30-3pm ☐

Sunday Nov 2 AM 10am-12.30 ☐         Sunday Nov 2 PM 12.30-3pm ☐

Saturday Nov 8 AM 10am-12.30 ☐       Saturday Nov 8 PM 12.30-3pm ☐

Sunday Nov 9 AM 10am-12.30 ☐         Sunday Nov 9 PM 12.30-3pm ☐

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