How do I format my entry?

    Please submit written work on an A4 double-spaced document in 12pt font (Arial or Times New Roman are preferred) with page numbers on each page. To maintain anonymity for judging purposes, please do not put your name anywhere on the entry or in the file name. The submitted work must be written in English.

    What are the word limits?

    Your written entry should a maximum of 600 words in total.

    Can I upload a single file that combines words and images?

    Yes. If you do this, please format your file as a PDF.

    How will submitted work be judged?

    Our judges will consider the following three criteria:

    • The craft and skill of the work
    • The relevance of the work to the events of 2020 
    • The emotional impact and connection that the work creates

    In what format should I submit images?

    Images should be submitted in JPG, JPEG or PDF format, and must either be colour (RGB), black-and-white (grayscale) or a combination of colour and black-and-white. Please crop photos as desired. Please make your file size as large as possible, but endeavour to limit your file size to 10MB. Please contact the organisers if you have not received acknowledgement of your application within 5 working days of the close of applications.

    I’m a keen writer, but not really a photographer. Can I choose to submit words only?

    Yes. When you lodge your entry, the form asks whether you wish to submit words, an image or both.

    I’m a keen photographer/artist, but not really a writer. Can I choose to submit an image only?

    Yes. When you lodge your entry, the form will ask whether you wish to submit words, an image or both. If you are submitting an image of an artwork you must submit one main image.

    Can I submit both words and an image?

    Yes. Entries can be words, image or a combination of both.

    Can I submit a video or sound/audio artwork?

    Unfortunately we are unable to accept videos or sound/audio work.

    Can I collaborate on my entry?

    Yes if you wish to collaborate you may, however one person must be the main contact on the entry form.

    Who will judge these awards?

    The award will be judged by a panel of industry professionals, and entries will be judged anonymously. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

    How will I know that my entry has been received?

    You will receive an automated email notification. Please contact the organisers if you have not received acknowledgement of your application.

    Will I receive feedback about my work?

    Unfortunately, our judges cannot comment on individual entries.

    Does my entry need to be entirely my own work?

    Yes. It is critical that both written work and images are your own original work and not copied in any way.

    I work with another writer/artist collaboratively. Can we submit a joint application?

    Each entry can be submitted by one person only. However, if this winning entry is created by more than one person in collaboration, the prize may be evenly split between the responsible parties.

    Will my entry be publicly displayed?

    In addition to the winning entries, the judges will select entries for a virtual exhibition and/or place-based exhibition to be displayed in 2021 once COVID restrictions are eased. There is also the possibility of your works being published.

    When do entries open and close?

    The competition commences on Monday November 2 at 9:00am and closes at midnight Tuesday December 15. No late entries will be accepted.

    When will I be notified regarding the outcome?

    You will be notified of the outcome of your entry by email, website in early February 2021.

    Do I have to live in the Blue Mountains in order to submit an application?

    This program is open to residents of the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains City Council Local Government Area runs from Lapstone in the East, Mount Victoria and Bell in the West, and Mount Irvine in the North. For clarification of council boundaries, visit https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/documents/city-of-blue-mountains-ward-boundaries.

    Are there any other limits to who can apply?

    Applicants must be school aged or over and must nominate the category they are applying to  - Primary School, High School or Open. If you are high school aged but not attending school i.e. an apprentice, studying at TAFE or working etc  you can decide to submit to either the High School category or the Open category. Members of staff, members of Council and their partners are ineligible to enter this competition.

    Can I submit my entry by post?

    No, entries must be submitted online. If you need help submitting an entry, please email communitydevelopment@bmcc.nsw.gov.au

    Can I submit more than one application?

    No.

    What do you mean when you say this competition is open to unpublished works only?

    Publication includes, but is not limited to, publication in print and online (for example in a journal/magazine/anthology or on a website). Publication on a personal blog/website/social media does not constitute publication, nor does a story which has been written and assessed as part of writing course but has not been distributed further.

    Is there any limits on the kind of work I can submit?

    Entries that are considered of an offensive or discriminatory nature will be rejected.

    How do I format my entry?

    Please submit written work on an A4 double-spaced document in 12pt font (Arial or Times New Roman are preferred) with page numbers on each page. To maintain anonymity for judging purposes, please do not put your name anywhere on the entry or in the file name. The submitted work must be written in English.

    What are the word limits?

    Your written entry should a maximum of 600 words in total.

    In what format should I submit images?

    Images should be submitted in JPG, JPEG or PDF format, and must either be colour (RGB), black-and-white (grayscale) or a combination of colour and black-and-white. Please crop photos as desired. Please make your file size as large as possible, but endeavour to limit your file size to 10MB. Please contact the organisers if you have not received acknowledgement of your application within 5 working days of the close of applications.

    Can I upload a single file that combines words and images?

    Yes. If you do this, please format your file as a PDF.