CALLING SCULPTORS IN CONCRETE

The search for the 2009 PPC Young Concrete Sculptors begins.

The annual PPC Young Concrete Sculptor Awards Competition, now in its 17th year, launches for 2009. PPC, in partnership with the Association of Arts, Pretoria, hosts the competition, providing artists young in the art of concrete sculpting the opportunity to showcase their talents through the affordable and versatile medium of concrete.

“As the country’s longest-running and only national sculpting competition, the PPC Young Concrete Sculptor Awards Competition is an interesting and creative reflection of the outstanding young talent that South Africa has to offer, “ says Nomzamo Basson, Public Relations Manager for PPC. “The competition demonstrates the technical ability and creativity of artists, combined with outstanding conceptual design and thinking. It encourages the traditional art of durable sculpture with concrete as its chosen media.”

The PPC Young Concrete Sculptor Awards Competition forms part of PPC’s commitment to enhancing South Africa's Arts, Culture and Heritage for the benefit of future generations. Artists, young in the art of sculpting, are also assured of recognition for their artistic contributions.

An exciting development to this year’s competition is the total prize money which has been increased to R85,000; with the first prize of R50,000 being double that of 2008. The prize money for this year’s runner-up has also been increased to R25,000, with two merit awards of R5,000 each being awarded to artists who have demonstrated their skill and ability to create a sculpture using cement.

To adequately prepare young artists with skills and techniques for working with cement, PPC will once again host a number of workshops throughout South Africa.

“The workshops’ success in encouraging young artists has inspired PPC to increase the number of workshops offered this year,” continues Basson. “Multiple venues provide accessibility throughout the country and the technical guidance and artistic encouragement presented will support young artists in not only the PPC competition, but in their own personal artistic endeavours.”

The Durban workshop will be held on June 18 at artSPACE durban. The cost per person attending is R60. Space for the workshops is limited; therefore interested parties should make bookings through Nandi Hilliard at the Association of Arts Pretoria on 012 346 3100.

The competition is open to students and people with formal or no training in sculpting, who have recently become acquainted with concrete as a medium and who are 18 years and older.

For more information on the 2009 PPC Young Concrete Sculptor Awards Competition and entry forms go to www.ppc.co.za or contact Nandi Hilliard at the Association of Arts Pretoria on 012 346 3100, fax 012 346 3125 or e-mail artspta@mweb.co.za.