Emerging artists, here’s a chance for you to shine – the Malaysian Emerging Artist (MEA) Award is back and the call for applications has begun.

The award recognizes talents that haven’t been in the limelight before. Anyone below the age of 35 (as of July 2011) can apply, but students are not eligible.

Emerging Malaysian artists who fit the initial requirements must submit three works in 2D or 3D in any theme, subject, or size. Artworks must have been produced between 2010 and 2011, and never before been exhibited locally.

The deadline for submissions is July 1.

MEA Award 2011 is a great platform for undiscovered talents to make a name for themselves, as it provides vital exposure for the early stages of an artist’s career.

Co-organised by House of MATAHATI (HOM), Galeri Chandan, and Soka Gakkai Malaysia, MEA Award started back in 2009, and after making a similar call for applications, organizers received a flood of submissions.

Five artists emerged victors in the inaugural awards – Gan Chin Lee, Mohd Al-Khuzairie Ali, Mohd Bakir Baharom, Samsudin Wahab, and Shaifuddin Mamat a.k.a. poodien – and they not only received cash and voucher prizes, but also each received a 10-day travel grant to Jogjakarta, Indonesia and an all-important solo exhibition at Galeri Chandan and Threesixty Art Development Studio.

This year, the prizes are no less lucrative and five lucky winners will receive a cash prize, vouchers for art supplies, a 10-day travel grant to Manila, Philippines, and a solo exhibition in November 2011 which will give them crucial exposure in the contemporary Malaysian art scene.

And with the Malaysian art scene growing at a rapid pace, awards like MEA truly offer emerging artists a chance to stand out, and audiences also benefit from the exposure of fresh talent, exciting ideas, and new artworks.

“We are very pleased to be working with Galeri Chandan and Soka Gakkai again for MEA Award,” says Bayu Utomo Radjikin, Gallery Director of HOM and a contemporary artist himself.

“Last year’s event was a great success and the five MEAA winners really benefitted from the experience and recognition. Samsudin Wahab, for example, had a sold out exhibition and he’s become a household name among those in the art industry.”

Are you an emerging artist? Submit your applications for the MEA Award 2011 now. (Deadline is 1 July 2011)

Email digital images of artworks (no larger than 200dpi), along with artist’s details and information on the artworks to emergingaward@gmail.com.

Or, submit post applications to HOM, 6A Jalan Cempaka 18, Taman Cempaka, 68000 Ampang, Selangor.

For enquiries, call Ms Mimie Baharuddin of HOM at +6012 373 6004 or Suffian of Galeri Chandan at +603 2095 3360.