Application Guidelines

Applies to all competitions.

We seek visual artists whose work in a variety of media, including but not limited to painting, drawing, sculpture, photography & digital art, represents the highest quality in design, materials, and workmanship. All entries must be approved by the GBA’s Georgetown Art & Wine Walk Committee (GAWW). GAWW Members maintain the exclusive right to refuse any entry that, in GAWW’s sole discretion, do not meet festival standards.

Work will be accepted based on quality, originality, craftsmanship, and creativity and will be accepted for display and awards by a distinguished panel of artists and creators.

Exhibition & Sales

Accepted works will be displayed at one of several venues in the 600-900 blocks of Front St. in Georgetown, SC, where they will be made available for sale to the public. A 20% commission fee will be deducted from the sale price by the GAWW.

Important Dates & Deadlines

• Submission Deadline: June 21st.
• Acceptance Notifications: On or before July 7th.
• Artwork Delivery: August 21st until August 24th, strictly before 6:00 PM (to the address supplied in your acceptance notice).
• Drop-in Reception: September 12th from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Maps of art display locations will be provided here. (Details will accompany acceptance notices.)
• Award Winners Display: Will remain on display through June 22nd.
• Artist Pick-up Window: Between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM starting September 16th through September 18th.

Entry Fees & Cancellation Policy

An accepted application is a commitment to participate in the show. Submission fees are non-refundable (except in the unlikely event that this event is canceled by GAWW).

Please do not contact us about the status of entries or judging.

The GAWW will notify winners via the contact information provided at the time of entry; the GAWW may disqualify anyone who fails to respond to the notification within five business days.

Submission Guidelines & Rules

Prizes & Awards

2D & 3D Art Requirements

Artists wishing to enter their work in the painting, drawing, multimedia, or sculpture sections should complete the official application form.

• Each artist may submit up to 5 pieces (2D or 3D total).
• Sculpture Dimensions: Must be less than 80″ (Length x Height x Depth).
• Weight Limits: Any piece weighing 30 lbs or more must be delivered and set up entirely by the entrant.
• Diptychs / Triptychs: Permitted, but must not exceed 140 linear inches total.

Photography Requirements

The GAWW Photography competition is open to any living photographer, 18 years of age or older. You may submit up to 4 photographs uploaded through our website at www.artwinewalk.com/register.

• Format: .jpeg or .jpg format, submitted in the orientation they are meant to be viewed.
• Sizing: Edited for web in sRGB color space, at least 2,000 pixels wide, and no larger than 2MB.
• Verification: Finalists must be prepared to submit an original, unedited digital file if requested. GAWW reserves the right to disqualify incomplete entries or those unable to supply a high-resolution file (300 dpi at 3,000 pixels on the longest side) or original negative/slide.
• Category Adjustments: If judges determine a photo has been altered beyond the limits of “Through the Lens” restrictions, they reserve the right to move the photo to the “Expressions & Impressions” category. Image composites, including HDR and stitched panoramas, will automatically be judged in “Expressions & Impressions.”

Photography Submission Rules

1. The contestant certifies that he/she is the sole creator and copyright owner of the submitted photograph.
2. Model Releases: For photos where a person is recognizable, you must provide a signed model release from the subject (or legal guardian) upon request. Printable forms can be downloaded here: Model Release Link.
3. Third-Party Intellectual Property: Photos depicting other people’s work (sculptures, paintings, etc.) must include a release from the rights holder if requested. The work must be captured as an object in its environment, not as a full-frame close-up.
4. Legality & Watermarks: Photos must be taken in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Submissions with watermarks or signatures will be rejected immediately.

The Judging Process

Entries will be judged based on creativity, quality, originality, and overall impact by our distinguished panel of international experts.

Initially, judges select their top 25 entries to advance. Accepted works are then rated on a scale of 10 to 100. Scores are tallied, and winners are determined based on cumulative jury votes. The identity of all photographers is completely hidden from the jury to ensure an impartial process.

Use and Ownership of Images

Copyright and all other rights remain that of the photographer. Where practicable, any photograph used by GAWW shall carry the photographer’s credit line. All entrants agree that submitted images may be used by GAWW without monetary compensation for marketing, promotion, and media publications related to the GBA-GAWW competition.

Legal Terms & Conditions of Entry

All entrants hold the city of Georgetown, the GBA, exhibition venues, sponsors, and their respective affiliates (the “Indemnified Parties”) harmless from and against all claims of any nature arising in connection with participation. The Indemnified Parties are not liable for any costs, damages, injuries, network/technical malfunctions, or issues beyond their control. Entrants are solely responsible for ensuring their files do not introduce malicious software, viruses, or worms.

The GAWW reserves the right to cancel the competition, modify rules, or disqualify any entrant whose conduct inhibits the enjoyment of others, tampers with the competition, or acts in an unsportsmanlike manner. Decisions of the GAWW are final and binding.

Use Of Your Personal Data

Participation requires the collection of your name and email address for contest communication updates. To access our full privacy statement, please review our Privacy Policy.

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