“Really we need to support the young and emerging artists in the region,” says Maggie Hickey, President of the Arts Group.

“We thought it would give a boost to young ones who might be thinking of going in to the arts.”

A range of cash prizes and mentoring will be on offer for winners of each of the three age categories.

The opportunity to have a solo exhibition for the winner of the 21-25 age category, as well as mentoring provide the opportunity for young artists to expand not only their artistic skills, but their practical experience. 

Entering might seem a bit daunting, but Ms Hickey believes it’s well worth a young artist’s trouble.

“It’s quite a scary thing sometimes putting your work up in front of your peers and other people” she says, “it’s a really good opportunity to do it this way, where you’ll have a lot of help.”

“If they don’t feel very confident about their own work, I think they can surprise themselves sometimes” says Ms Hickey.

Young people between the ages of 13 and 25 who come from the Braidwood, Bungendore and Captains Flat area are eligible to enter the awards.

Entrants needn’t reside in the 2621 or the 2622, but simply must have completed a significant proportion of their schooling in the area.

Awards will take place from September 22 to October 9.