This year's annual Charman Prize competition for artists will be bigger and better than its predecessor, with new prizes, new judging criteria, and a longer exhibition schedule. Businessman John Charman, who inaugurated the competition last year, is offering a $10,000 grand prize for the overall winner; four $2,500 prizes in four categories; and three $100 gift certificates per category for artwork earning honourable mentions. Artwork will be judged on four criteria, with awards being granted for excellence in each of the following categories: innovation, use of material, distinctive and convincing style, and serious intent.

The winning artwork for the Grand Prize will encompass all four of the foregoing criteria in one outstanding example, which will become part of the Masterworks Bermuda Collection.

Judging categories are defined as follows:

¦ Innovation – artwork which introduces a new direction in the Bermuda art scene.

¦ Use of material – technical mastery of a chosen media.

¦ Distinctive and convincing style – a well-developed quality of imagination and individuality.

The competition, which will run from March 6 to April 11, is open to all Bermudian artists who are resident on the Island, as well as non-Bermudians who have been resident here for at least six months prior to entry deadline.

The show will be juried by Mr. Charman and a panel of overseas judges, whose names will be announced at a later date, and the winners will be announced at the opening of the Charman Prize Exhibition on March 6.

Entries, to be displayed in the Rick Faries Gallery and the Arrowroot Gallery of the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, will provide an opportunity for local artists to showcase and sell their work for the duration of the exhibition.

The Charman Prize mission statement defines the exhibits as "an accurate display of Bermuda's artistic community through the egalitarian selection and display of artworks of various skills, techniques, and mediums. The Charman Prize celebrates Bermuda's diversity in the visual arts through honouring artists in their innovation, use of material, distinctive and convincing style, and serious intent".

"I am delighted to be able to showcase the extraordinary artistic talent which exists within our community," Mr. Charman said.

"This annual prize will properly confer excellence and recognition on the worthy recipient."

Tom Butterfield, founder and creative director of the Masterworks Foundation, said the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art was once again "delighted" to stage the annual Charman Prize.

"In only its second year, it has become Bermuda's most prestigious prize for the visual arts. Its importance lies not in the monetary value, but in the care, consideration, and talent drawn out by such an award. It is most fortunate that the Museum is associated with such a strong ally of the arts, and we thank John Charman for his generosity."

Noting that the Museum had been pleased with last year's response and Mr. Charman's generosity, Masterworks collections manager Elise Outerbridge said that this year it wanted to "open the net wider to an even more diverse spectrum of artwork which truly represents what is being produced in Bermuda today".

Competing artists are invited to submit one piece of artwork for judging. Applications are now available both on the Masterworks website: www.bermudamasterworks.com click on Events', and the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art in the Botanical Gardens.

Applications and artwork submissions will be accepted between February 16 and 20.

For more information e-mail: artmworks@logic.bm, telephone 236-2950 or fax 236-4402.