The deadline to enter one of the most prestigious art competitions in Bermuda is fast approaching.Entries close on Friday (December 1) for the Bermuda National Gallery’s (BNG) Bermuda Biennial 2012 Exhibition of Contemporary Art sponsored by Bacardi Limited.The Bermuda Biennial is a platform for the contemporary art scene in Bermuda. Started in 1994, the exhibition continues to represent the vitality and creativity of local artists. The Bermuda Biennial provides an opportunity for local artists to engage in an internationally juried process, which strives to represent the excellence of Bermuda’s contemporary art. Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of this exhibition which will be held from June 17, 2012 to November 25, 2012.This exhibition is open to all artists resident in Bermuda and Bermudian artists overseas. Its key aims are to showcase a diverse range and high standard of contemporary art; to use the exhibition as an educational resource to generate understanding and interest among Bermuda’s youth about fine art; to invite international jurors from respected art institutions who share their experience and knowledge through lectures, workshops, and school visits; to produce a catalogue that features each artist, and serves as a valuable record of the exhibition as well as a marketing tool, sent to international museums.Jurors will be Naomi Beckwith and Christopher Cozier. Ms Beckwith is the assistant curator at The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York whose particular concerns focus on conceptual practices in contemporary art. She has recently been appointed the new curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago. Mr Cozier is a Trinidadian-based artist, curator, and cultural critic. He explores the treatment of cultural themes in his work. He exhibits internationally including, Infinite Island at the Brooklyn Museum, New York in 2007 and more recently, Journeys through the Black Atlantic at the TATE, Liverpool, in 2010.Artists can submit up to five artworks. There is a non-refundable application fee of $35. The deadline is Friday, December 1 at 4pm. For an application and a full list of application guidelines see the lower right corner of their website at www.bermudanationalgallery.com .