The Mistletoe Sculpture Prize is a biennial (awarded every two years) prize, open to the students of Fine Art at Newcastle University.

The prize is structured to encourage the students to think about site specific sculpture.

It is a requirement of entry that the work must be approached with the idea in mind that it’s permanent home will be as part of the Mistletoe Sculpture Garden.

As many students do not have the financial capability, we assist by providing seed funds for them to purchase the materials they require to construct their entries.

The students have to prepare a written submission together with sketches and costings.

The submissions are then assessed by the lecturers at the University in consultation with Ken and Gwen Sloan from Mistletoe and the seed money is then provided to the students who have been successful.

Judging of the 2009 award will take place at the Student Gallery Watt Space in Newcastle on Wednesday October 7th.

First prize this year will be $2500 and the runner up is awarded a $500 encouragement award. Together with the seed funding provided for at least 8 entries, the total on offer is in excess of $7500.

The winner of the 2009 prize will be moved to its permanent home at Mistletoe in early November.

The winner of the inaugural Mistletoe Sculpture Prize in 2003 April Erzetich with her work entitled Amphorae. These are 5 earthenware urns based on the Egyptian amphora which was used 3500BC to make and store wine.