The Free State Young Artist Awards are back in 2023 and the theme is "Solutions to plastic pollution" which is inspired by World Environment Day as a reminder that people's actions on plastic pollution matter. Carien van Eck from the National Museum talks about the criteria for this year’s entries.

The categories for entries are as follows:

Category A: Open to preschool to primary school learners, ages 5 – 9 years old.

Category B: Open to school learners, ages 10 – 14 years old.

Category C: Open to high school learners, ages 15 – 19 years old.

Learners can submit original artworks which focus on “Solutions to Plastic Pollution”. Artwork submissions will be accepted in a variety of mediums provided that they:

• Are not potentially harmful
• Do not exceed 1m x 1m size
• Do not exceed 30 kg in weight

The competition closes on 4 August 2023 at 15:00. No late entries will be accepted. All finalists will be invited to the award ceremony where the panel of judges will announce the winners and offer professional advice to aspiring artists.

For more information contact the National Museum on 051 447 9609 or download the entry form here.