Hidden Earth
National Caving Conference

ISSA Art Exhibition & Competition 2007

The 2008 Entry form is not ready yet. It is expected that it will be produced by 1 July 2008. However, you can view the 2007 form, which is expected to be similar.

The British Cave Research Association invites you to participate in its annual Art Exhibition and Competition, organised on behalf of BCRA by ISSA, the International Society for Speleological Art. The event will be part of the annual caving conference - Hidden Earth. The competition is open to all forms of "cave art" except photographs. Entries will be judged for their popular appeal by a ballot of conference delegates. Prizes will be awarded to the winner and two runners-up.

Alongside the Art Salon there will be a "Gallery of Wit" for our cartoonist friends. All those who venture into the realms of humorous drawings are invited to exhibit the product of their artistic imaginations. There will be a ballot, and a single prize awarded to the most popular.

We would politely like to remind artists that it makes the organisers' jobs much easier if you could complete an entry form in advance, so we can assess the space needed for the displays. Large free-standing artwork that simply turns up on the day may have to be moved to a less favourable location!

Competition Rules

Eligibility - All artists, amateur or professional, may enter the competition, whether or not a member of BCRA or ISSA. We hope to encourage new exhibitors in this competition. Winning entries from previous BCRA art competitions may not be entered. Entries cannot be released for lectures.
Number of Entries - Up to three entries per artist may be submitted in each category. We cannot guarantee to display entries received on the day, so please enter in advance if possible.
Subject - The subject matter may be anything to do with the pursuit of caves and caving, executed in any visual art medium, except photographs, and including drawing, painting, print-making, sculpture and textiles.
Judging - All conference delegates will be eligible to vote, by secret ballot, for the work that appeals to them the most. There will be a separate ballot for the Cartoon competition. Prize winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at the close of the conference.
Display Requirements
- Art - Work should be framed or mounted to a reasonable standard, but the organisers reserve the right not to display any work that proves difficult to handle. For 2-D work, a method of hanging must be provided. If any work is particularly large or has any special display requirements this must be discussed before submission.
- Cartoons - Work should be framed or mounted, in A4 or A3 sizes. No clip frames please.
- Display boards - Entrants are encouraged to bring their own display boards/stands if possible. This will enable their work to be displayed to the highest standard and relieve pressure on conference equipment.
Loss, Damage and Insurance - Every care will be taken of the entries, but BCRA cannot accept responsibility for any damage or loss. The organisers will not be insuring any work and, if required, entrants should make their own arrangements.
Copyright & Reproduction - All works entered for the competition must be original. (No prints are allowed). Artists are advised that copying work from books or other people's photographs is not acceptable. BCRA reserves the right to reproduce, without payment, any entries in reports of the conference and in the advertising for next year's event.
Sales - Artists wishing to sell their work may include a price. A commission of 15% will be levied on the sale price.

How to Enter

Entries on the day will be accepted but, if there is a limitation on space, priority may be given to entries received in advance. For entry in advance, completed entry forms (see below) should be returned to the Art Competition co-ordinator, at the address below, at least ten days before the conference. However, please do not send your work in advance without contacting us first.

All works of art should be delivered to the exhibition area by midday on the Saturday of the conference at the latest. Pre-numbered cards with name of artist and title will be provided for identification of the entries. These will be available at the conference information desk when you arrive. Artists are also responsible for ensuring that each item is clearly identified with its title and their name. Work will be available for collection after completion of the awards ceremony on the Sunday afternoon. If you are not attending the conference you may send your work by post at your own risk and cost. If you want your work to be returned by post you must provide sufficient postage/packing material/customs charges.

For 2007, the Art Competition Co-ordinator is Ms. Ceris Jones, 60 Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood, PRESTON, PR2 8EE. Telephone 01772 715947. E-mail ceris[at]saqnet.co.uk. If you are reading this form in subsequent years please check with the organisers for the address of the competition co-ordinator and any other changes to the rules.

Entry Form

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