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    Apply now for the Reg Russom Memorial Drawing Prize

    Sketch out your path to success

    Ink drawing of a horse-drawn carriage with two passengers. The carriage is moving at speed, suggested by the blurred lines and the horse's running gait.

    The Reg Russom Memorial Drawing Prize was first awarded in 1955 to honour one of the early Head Teachers of the Newcastle Art School, Reg Russom. Visual and Fine Arts students enrolled at TAFE NSW in the Hunter and Central Coast regions are invited to submit an observational drawing for entry in the Prize of $1,000 to the successful applicant.

    Arts National Newcastle have partnered with the Hunter TAFE Foundation to become the new donor of the Reg Russom Memorial Drawing Prize, as part of their commitment to cultural activities and connecting people with the arts.

    Applications for the Reg Russom Memorial Drawing Prize close at 12 pm (AEST), Wednesday 30 July 2025.

    Who can apply?

    To be eligible for the Reg Russom Memorial Drawing Prize, you must:

    • Be enrolled in Visual or Fine Arts at TAFE NSW in the Hunter or Central Coast regions.
    • Applicant must provide a digital image of their artwork as part of their submission.
    • Up to two (2) pieces of artwork can be submitted.
    • Not be in receipt of another award, scholarship or prize presented by the Hunter TAFE Foundation within the last twelve (12) months.
    • Applicant must accept Terms and Conditions outlined in the Reg Russom Memorial Drawing Prize.

    Conditions of entry

    Please keep in mind the following when entering your work:

    • Applicants must complete the online application form and submit up to two (2) digital copies of their artwork/s by 12pm Wednesday, 30 July.
    • Completed applications will then be reviewed on Thursday, 31 July and applicants notified to deliver one piece of artwork for exhibition/judging.
    • Applicants must deliver their artwork for exhibition to Customer Service Desk, located on ground floor foyer of TAFE NSW Hunter Street, 590-608 Hunter Street, Newcastle West on either Friday, 1 August, or Monday, 4 August, by 3pm.

    Winner announcement

    • The judge’s decision will be final and no correspondence will be acknowledged
    • The winning entry will become the property of the Hunter TAFE Foundation
    • The announcement will take place at 12pm Tuesday, 12 August 2025 at the following location:
      Newcastle Art School
      TAFE NSW Hunter Street
      590 - 608 Hunter Street
      Newcastle West
    • Hanging space for the 2025 exhibition will be limited, so the judges will display awe-inspiring works
    • TAFE NSW Hunter Street Gallery will display selected entries from 11-29 August 2025.

    Find out more about the Reg Russom Memorial Drawing Prize

    Have a question about the scholarship? Email us at hunter.foundation@tafensw.edu.au 

    Explore TAFE NSW scholarships

    Every year TAFE NSW awards hundreds of scholarships. To find the one that's right for you, go to the TAFE NSW Scholarships homepage.

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