Absolutely! The M16 Artspace Drawing Prize is open to a wide range of artistic expressions, including both traditional drawing media and techniques, as well as innovative non-traditional works that push the boundaries of what drawing can be within contemporary art practice.

While the prize is named the 'Drawing Prize,' we encourage artists to interpret 'drawing' broadly. This means you can submit works that might be classified as paintings or other art forms as long as they align with your interpretation of drawing within contemporary art. We are interested in exploring the expansive and evolving definition of drawing.

The decision to request unframed and unmounted artworks is driven by several factors aimed at maintaining fairness and consistency in the competition:

Fair Judging: By requesting unframed and unmounted artworks, we ensure that the judging process is based solely on the merit of the artwork itself, without any external influences such as frames or mounts.

Accessibility: Unframed and unmounted artworks are easier to handle and install in an exhibition setting. This simplifies the logistics of curating and displaying the selected works.

Equal Opportunity: We want to provide all artists with an equal opportunity to participate in the competition. Requiring unframed and unmounted submissions helps level the playing field, as not all artists may have access to framing or mounting resources.

When we mention "no mounting" in our guidelines, we are specifically referring to the practice of mounting artworks onto materials like mountboard or similar substrates.

This requirement is in place to ensure that the judging process focuses on the artwork itself, rather than the way it is presented on a mounted surface.

However, if an artist has printed their work directly onto a board and attached hooks to the back for installation, this is entirely acceptable. In this case, the board itself is integral to the artwork, and the hardware attached to the back is simply a means of ensuring that the work is appropriately fixed and ready for installation.

A ‘Digital’ artwork refers to any piece where digital technology plays a significant role in its creation. This includes, but is not limited to:

Digital Drawing: Artists may use digital drawing tablets, graphic pens, or touchscreen devices like iPads to directly create digital illustrations, paintings, or drawings.

Software-Based Art: Artworks that involve the use of digital software, such as graphic design software, data visualisation tools, or 3D modelling applications, to craft, manipulate, or enhance the artistic elements.

Data-Driven Art: Artists may employ software to map, process, or interpret digital data, which then informs and influences the creation of their artwork.

It's important to note that the artwork does not need to be displayed on a digital screen or monitor. Digital technology's role can be in the creation process itself, regardless of the final presentation medium. These elements should be an integral part of the artwork's conception and realization to qualify for the Digital Drawing Prize category.

Yes, you can submit a work on a stretched canvas if the framing is an essential part of your artwork. We welcome this type of submission. Our main requirement is that the framing is not external or traditional.

Appropriately Fixed: This means that any necessary hardware, such as hanging wires, brackets or tabs, should be securely attached to the artwork, ensuring it can be safely hung for display.

Ready for Installation: Your artwork should be in a condition that allows for easy installation if it is selected as a finalist entry. This includes ensuring that the artwork is clean, free from damage, and prepared for transport and hanging.

Copyright Ownership: Copyright for submitted works in The M16 Artspace Drawing Prize remains the property of the artist. This means that artists retain full ownership and control of their artworks and have the right to reproduce, distribute, and license their work as they see fit, except as specified below.

Non-Exclusive License for Finalists: Finalists grant M16 Artspace a non-exclusive license to use images of their work, both in print and online, within Australia. This usage is for the sole purpose of promoting the M16 Drawing Prize and M16 Artspace. The non-exclusive license allows M16 Artspace to showcase and publicise the selected artworks.

Non-Exclusive License for All Entrants: Additionally, all entrants grant M16 Artspace a non-exclusive license to use images of their work and associated artist statements. This usage is specifically for listing on the M16 Artspace website and M16 Artspace digital stockroom.

These licensing agreements are in place to facilitate the promotion, exhibition, and documentation of the artworks within the context of the competition and M16 Artspace. While M16 Artspace may use images of the submitted works and artist statements for these specific purposes, artists retain their copyright and ownership rights.

• Wall hanging artworks must not be heavier than 10kg and must not exceed 2 metres high x 2 metres wide.

• Free standing sculptural works must not be heavier than 20kg and must not exceed 1 metre high x 1 metre wide x 1 metre deep.

• Wall hanging sculptural works must not be heavier than 10kg and must not exceed 1 metre high x 1 metre wide x 1 metre deep.

Artworks may be single or multi-piece as long as they do not exceed the overall dimensions when displayed.
See next question for digital artwork submission requirements!

• Moving image artwork files must be formatted as a .MP4 or .MOV

• Any use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in your entry must be included/written in the artist statement.

• If your artwork requires a power source to display, please contact M16 Artspace at office@m16artspace.com

• Any entries consisting of moving image must provide a link to the works via Vimeo or YouTube in HD. Please also provide any applicable passwords.

• Entries with sound are welcome but the entrant must own the Copyright to the sound used. If the sound is created by another individual, permission must be granted, and credit given.

M16 Artspace will provide systems for presenting works using video, sound, and film.

No, there is no hidden costs to participating in the drawing prize. The only fee you will pay is the entry fee!

Yes! There are no restrictions on submitting works that have been Can I submit works that have been previously exhibited or published.

We do allow collaborative works created by multiple individual artists who come together to create a single work. In this case, each collaborator should be clearly credited, specifying their names, contributions, and any other relevant details.

However, please note that we do not permit multiple entries from a single collaborative group for the same competition. Each group should submit only one collaborative work as their entry.

If your collaborative entry is selected as a winner, any prizes or awards will also be distributed collectively, unless you specify otherwise in advance.

Art Organisations: While we encourage collaborative works by individual artists, we do not accept entries from art organisations or associations on behalf of their members.

In general, once an artwork has been submitted to the competition, it cannot be edited or changed. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, or artists may need to correct genuine mistakes.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to make changes to your submission, please contact our office. We will consider such requests on a case-by-case basis and work with you to find a suitable solution.

Please reach out to office@m16artspace or call 62959438 for assistance.