“Life is marked by routines and rituals for both people and nature. Some are biologically driven, like nightly sleep or birthdays, others by necessity or choice – weekly bin night, a morning coffee or pre-dawn surf.

Similarly, the natural world has its own versions, the shifting of the tides, changing of the seasons, the annual spectacle of migrating whales.

What connects these events is that they serve as bookmarks, a measure to keep stock of time. Routines and rituals we passively anticipate, some we mourn as they pass, and others we eagerly await coming around again. ”

Dean De Landre, Curator

Important dates

Entries open: 8 November 2024
Entres close: 21 February 2025
Shortlist announced: 10 March 2025
Works delivered to Lorne Community Connect: 10 April 2025
Official opening and announcement of prizes: 17 April 6 – 7:30pm
Exhibition dates: 18 – 28 April 2025

Curator 2025

We are delighted to welcome Dean De Landre as our guest curator for 2025. Dean is an accomplished artist and educator based in Torquay. Dean holds arts degrees from Monash and Deakin universities and is a PhD candidate, he has a longstanding interest in photography and has exhibited his work both internationally and across Australia. With over a decade of experience in the gallery sector, Dean has taken on various roles, including collections and curatorial assistant. He is also a lecturer at Deakin University’s School of Creative Arts, where he shares his knowledge and passion for the arts.

Judging 2025

We are equally delighted announce that the judge for 2025 is Jason Smith, Director and CEO of Geelong Gallery. Jason is currently Chair of the Arts, Heritage & Culture Pillar Group of G21 – Geelong Regional Alliance and has held positions as Director & CEO of Heide Museum of Modern Art; Director of Monash Gallery of Art; and Curator of Contemporary Art at the National Gallery of Victoria. He has written on the works of more than 150 artists for a range of publications.

Criteria and conditions of entry

• Photos to have been taken within the last 2 years
• Entrants can submit 1-3 images which will be judged individually and may not all be selected.
• Size: there are no size restrictions, however the final image size must be specified on the entry form.

Submission to include:

• Completed online entry form including, artist statement (150 words)
• Entry fee of $20.00 for up to 3 prints
• Upload a digital image of each photograph (1-3 photographs taken in the last 2 years).

Finalists’ preparation of artworks

• No framing of artworks. Works can be printed on paper of choice
• All artworks must be labelled on the back with artists name, image title, edition number if selling a number of prints
• Entrants are responsible for the delivery and collection of artworks [and all associated costs] by the required date except where alternative arrangements have been made through Bells Fine Arts, Geelong.
• All queries should be directed to lornecommunityconnect@gmail.com

Note: Bells Fine Arts can assist all artists with their printing requirements. Work printed through Bells Fine Arts will be delivered to Lorne Community Connect for hanging. Artists will need to make their own arrangements for the return of unsold works.

Awarding of prizes

Prizes will be awarded based on the recommendation of the independent Judge

• 1st prize – $1000 sponsored by Mantra Lorne
• 2nd prize $500 of printing services sponsored by Bells Fine Arts*

Sale of artworks

Artists should price their work allowing for distribution as follows; 80% of the sale price will go to the artist, 20% to LCC. Please make the final retail price (including GST) to a rounded dollar amount. Editions limited to 10 per print.

Insurance

Lorne Community Connect (the organisers) will take all reasonable care but will not be responsible for any loss or damage to any artwork whilst in their custody. The Organisers do not insure the works whilst in transit, in storage or on exhibition. Artists must arrange their own insurance to cover potential damage, loss or theft.

All queries should be directed to lornecommunityconnect@gmail.com