FAQ: About the Submission Process

  • Does the work submitted have to be currently available for sale?

    The work submitted should be the best three examples of you as an artist, and the type of work you would like to showcase if chosen as one of our Finalists.

    This means work can be previously sold work or work not currently available - as you have 12 months to create a body of work for the Finale!

  • How do I submit my artwork?

    To submit your artwork for consideration in "Unveiled," head over to our dedicated online portal at www.aspiregallery.com.au/unveiled-entry. Here you'll find detailed submission guidelines outlining the requirements for your entry. Upload high-resolution images of your artwork following these specifications. The online portal is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making the submission process as seamless as possible for you.

  • What types of artwork are accepted and is there a size limitation?

    "Unveiled" is an inclusive competition designed to celebrate the diverse landscape of artistic expression. We welcome a variety of mediums including but not limited to painting, sculpture, digital art, and mixed media.

    There is also no format or size limitation on entries.

  • How are the artworks judged?

    Entries are carefully reviewed by a panel of experienced judges whom are rotated throughout the year. The judging process is based on a range of criteria including originality, innovation, technical skill, emotional resonance, commerciality and how well the submitted piece encapsulates your identity as an artist. Each criterion provides a lens through which your art will be evaluated, ensuring a holistic review process.

  • Can artists re-enter the competition?

    Absolutely! The beauty of "Unveiled" lies in its structure of monthly open competitions. This means you can enter once a month, every month throughout the 12-month period of "Unveiled."

    If you didn't make it one month, don't be disheartened; you have multiple chances to submit your artwork and become a finalist.

  • Is there a submission fee?

    There is a submission fee of $30 for up to 3 works for consideration (not per piece).

    Some competitions charge a nominal fee to cover the costs of administration, judging, and other logistical aspects.

  • Can I submit the same artwork in multiple months?

    You are certainly welcome to enter the same pieces each month but we encourage artists to submit different pieces across months to showcase the scope and depth of their output. Presenting a range of works can better illustrate your versatility and growth as an artist.

  • Is there a limit to the number of times I can win as a monthly finalist?

    In order to maintain a diverse and inclusive roster for the Grand Finale event, each artist is typically eligible to become a finalist only once during the 12-month span of the competition. Don’t be greedy!

Why should I enter more than once over the twelve month period?

  • Multiple Opportunities: With a new competition held every month, you have several chances to be selected as a finalist. If you miss out one month, you can always try again the next, without having to wait an entire year for another opportunity.

  • Broaden Exposure: Consistent participation allows you to showcase a range of your artistic skills and styles. This can be a powerful way to gain visibility and recognition within the art community, as well as among potential collectors and art lovers.

  • Iterative Improvement: With the option to receive feedback from a panel of professional judges each month, you have the opportunity to learn and improve your work. This cycle of feedback can be invaluable for your growth as an artist.

  • Dynamic Portfolio: Over the 12 months, your body of work may evolve or take on new directions. Multiple entries allow you to show this evolution and depth, potentially capturing the attention of the judges in a way that a single entry might not.

  • Voter’s Choice: Even if you don’t become a monthly finalist, your work will still be eligible for the Voter’s Choice, increasing the opportunities for your art to be recognized and appreciated by a broader audience.

  • Deadline Motivation: The regular monthly deadlines can serve as a motivator to keep creating. Sometimes having a specific goal and timeline can help you focus and produce some of your best work.

  • New Body of Work for Finalists: Remember, if you’re selected as a finalist, you will have until June of the following year to create a new body of work for the Grand Finale. So there's no need to worry about "saving" your best work.

With all these benefits, entering multiple times over the 12-month period can be an excellent strategy for artists at any stage of their career to gain exposure, improve their craft, and make meaningful connections in the art world

Should I enter in the first month
or the last month?

Great question! We highly recommend entering earlier in the competition cycle for a couple of key reasons:

1. Reduced Competition: Our competitions always have a massive influx of entries at the last minute. Why? No idea… By entering in the earlier months, you’ll find there are fewer submissions – meaning less competition. The earlier you enter, the fewer competitors you're likely to go up against.

2. Multiple Entry Opportunities: One of the unique features of "Unveiled" is that you can enter once a month throughout the 12-month cycle. Entering early gives you the freedom to refine your submission based on feedback and resubmit in subsequent months. It provides you with multiple opportunities to catch the judges' eyes and secure a finalist spot.

By entering earlier, you're not only giving yourself a potentially easier field of competitors but also allowing yourself the flexibility to enter again. This can be particularly beneficial if you wish to take on board feedback from the judges or simply wish to showcase different facets of your artistic capabilities over time.
So why wait? Getting your submission in earlier can offer strategic advantages that waiting until the last minute simply can't provide.

What is the Voters’ Choice Finalist?

Beyond the main competition, "Unveiled" also features a Voter's Choice. This is a unique avenue where the general public has the opportunity to engage with all submitted work (which is automatically opted to be in the Voter’s Choice when you submit) and vote for their favorite piece. The artist with the most votes will automatically be entered as our very last finalist for the Grand Finale!

FAQ: Chosen as a Finalist?

  • Do I have to keep my submitted work for the finalist show?

    No, there's no obligation to keep your submitted work available for sale or specifically for the finalist show. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be given until June of the following year to create an entirely new body of work to be showcased at the Grand Finale. This flexibility is designed to allow you to continuously evolve and refine your artistic voice, showcasing your latest and best pieces.

  • How will I know if I have been selected as a finalist?

    If you are chosen as a finalist, we will contact you using the information you provided during the submission process. Please ensure that your contact details are accurate and up-to-date. You will most likely be notified via email or phone, so keep a lookout for any communications from Aspire Gallery following the monthly selection period. All entrants will also be contacted, regardless of outcome!

  • What happens if I'm selected as a finalist?

    Being chosen as a finalist is a significant milestone! You'll receive an invitation to participate in the Grand Finale, an exhibition that collates the exceptional talent unveiled over the 12 months of competitions. This is a remarkable platform to gain visibility, connect with fellow artists, and potentially walk away with the title of Unveiled Artist of 2023-2024. Remember, you have until June next year to prepare a new body of work for this grand showcase, giving you ample time to channel your creative energies (especially if you’re chosen as one of our earlier finalists)!

  • What are the prizes for the Grand Finale winner?

    The grand prize for the Unveiled Artist of the year varies annually but usually combines an exciting mix of financial rewards, opportunities for gallery representation, and extensive media exposure. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to details that will be made available as we approach the Grand Finale event.