Rheima Holding Hall presents an award to Gerald Wray, painter and lecturer at Northern Caribbean University at the National Awards presentation of the National Visual Arts Competition 2006.

For the first time in the history of the National Visual Arts Competition & Exhibition, the JamaicaCultural Development Commission will partner with the National Gallery of Jamaica. The gallery, which houses the national collection of art of several of Jamaica's top and most distinguished artists, will be hosting the National Visual Arts Exhibition from July 8 to August 18.

This collaboration is a fusion of the juried section of the National Gallery's Biennial Exhibition and the existing Annual Visual Arts Competition staged by the commission.

Visual Arts specialist at JCDC, Ms. Sana Rose, sees the new turn as "an exciting prospect for the development of the National Visual Arts Competition, the promotion and advancement of artists and and a special visual feast for the public as we expect higher standards in the quality of work and performance of artists. It is sure to give a boost to all outstanding artists who will have the opportunity to exhibit at the most prestigious gallery in Jamaica."

Who can enter

The competition is open to artists of all ages in the areas of ceramics, fibre arts, painting, photography, sculpture/assemblage, works on Paper and the newest category, video art. This new category was added to the list to encourage those artists who work in digital media to enter their recorded stills or moving images based on their own thematic interests.

The deadline for submission of all works in May 11, 2007. Kingston & St. Andrew entries will be accepted at the National Gallery from May 7-11 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. JCDC parish offices across the island will also be accepting entries.