REDLAND City Council and Redland Art Gallery have cancelled this year's Redland Art Awards due to the coronavrius pandemic.
Mayor Karen Williams said organisers had decided to call off the awards early amid uncertainty over the gallery's reopening date and whether artists interstate would be able to ship and enter their works.
"The Redland Art Awards are a highlight of the gallery's exhibition calendar so it's very disappointing to have to cancel them this year," she said.
"But we can still look forward to the 2022 awards.
"The health and wellbeing of our artists, the general public and team of RAG staff and volunteers is our highest priority."
Established by the Redland Yurara Art Society, the biannual awards were first held in 1981.
They now attract entries from established and emerging artists nationwide, with the top prize fetching $15,000.
Artists who paid the entry fee for this year's awards would receive a full refund.
Meanwhile, Redland Art Gallery has launched an online program featuring exhibition content, public programs and art and craft activities.
The gallery is also giving away art boxes to people who are showing artistic flair while in isolation.
Cr Williams said the online program would showcase the best visual arts had to offer.
"We have all been missing our visits to Redland Art Gallery," she said.
"This is a great way to keep enjoying RAG exhibitions and public programs while staying connected and bringing a little bit of creativity and inspiration into our own homes."
Cr Williams said the art boxes, filled with craft products, were up for grabs every fortnight.
"To win an art box, complete the turn your driveway into an artwork using chalk activity, then share an image of your creation on social media," she said.
"Just upload your image to Facebook or Instagram and use the hashtag #RAGatHome.
"Or you can direct message the gallery with your image."
Winners will be notified on Facebook and Instagram and have their boxes delivered via contactless delivery to an address within the Redlands.
For more information visit artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au.
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