The call has gone out for artists across Australia to enter the largest chalk art festival in the southern hemisphere, which will be held at Church Street Parramatta in Sydney on Thursday 6th through to Sunday 9th October.

The Founder and Director of the Chalk Urban Art Festival, Andi Mether said entries have officially opened for the festival now in its 7th year, with the opportunity to win $10,000 in cash and prizes and the title of the 2011 Champion Artist.

Ms Mether said this year there will be more opportunities for artists from across Australia to participate, with a number of grants available for those travelling from regional NSW and interstate.

“We have decided to launch the ‘Travelling Artist Grant’ to support three artists who would like to enter the competition, but couldn’t afford to travel to Sydney. A philanthropic donation by Mrs Chris Norman has made this possible.  We’re excited to give artists from further afield the opportunity to come to Sydney to compete alongside local artists and showcase their talents.

“The festival is a great platform for artists, with many of the entrants from the past six years now working on major projects in Australia and also overseas.”

This year’s theme will be ‘food’, with artists set to explore their different interpretations, whether that is showcasing multiculturalism through food, promoting healthy lifestyle or diet choices, or their unique passion for food.

“You can expect a smorgasboard of ideas from our competing artists. Church Street will quite literally be transformed into a big canvas of culinary colours,” Ms Mether said.

Expected to attract over 20,000 spectators over the four day period, the festival is fast becoming a significant attraction, with people travelling far and wide to see the artistic creations.

Artist Edd Aragon, who entered the competition for the first time last year, said the festival has a European feel, almost as if you are sitting in a Parisian cafe where you can watch the artist at work and also engage with them.

“It’s a great way for people to escape and enjoy the pure and spiritual nature of art.

The festival has a sharing nature which is really cool for an artist. You can engage with other artists who are a few metres away from you and also with the pedestrians.”

Last year’s winner, Melbourne-based artist Jenny McCracken said winning the title of Champion Pavement Artist had helped raise her profile and expand her professional capacity as an artist.

“Since the festival I have had the opportunity to work on a number of projects, particularly conferences. As an artist, it certainly expands my professional capacity – the more diversity you can have in your portfolio the better.”

Ms McCracken, who first participated in the Festival in 2005, encourages more upcoming artists to be involved.

“Just dive in, take part and enjoy the experience. Anybody who wants to try a whole new medium and have the opportunity to workshop new ideas and work with a range of really fun and exciting artists, then the festival is for them.”

Ms Mether said the festival is all about taking art to the people, celebrating diversity, supporting emerging artists and encouraging positive attitudes and respect for public space.

Other cash prizes on offer include the best 3D Image ($1,000) and 2D Image ($1,000), the ISS Security Choice ($1,000), People’s Choice ($1,000) and Artist’s Choice ($1,000).
Entries will be open to artists from July 29 until 26 August 2011.