Tiny Australian mammals are the focus of a lucrative new arts prize that aims to substantially reduce the burgeoning mosquito population.
The arts-strong coastal community of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, just over two hours drive north of Sydney, has launched the Bat Flats Art Competition, inviting the creation of decorative works of art which are also discreet ‘bat flats’ – homes for tiny micro bats.
Micro bats, some little bigger than a butterfly, each night eat up to 40 percent of their body weight in mosquitos, sandflies and other insects.
Their natural habitats are in decline due to urbanisation, consequently a number of the little species are listed as threatened.
Ceramic sculptors, mosaic artists, woodworkers, acrylic and oil painters, and those from other artistic disciplines are encouraged to create their bat flats and be in the running for a share of a $10,000 prize pool.
Winning entries will be placed on permanent display and a public exhibition of finalists will be held in Tea Gardens over the October long weekend (2–5 October, 2015) with bat flats available for sale. Funds raised will go toward the promotion of art and assisting endangered native species.
Entries close on 1 August 2015.
The Bat Flats Art Competition and exhibition is run by the Myall River Art Walk under the auspices of the not-for-profit Galleries In The Gardens.
Further details, including the entry form and some simple guidelines to ensure artworks have the suitable attributes to be a home for micro bats, can be found on www.batflats.com.au or www.galleriesinthegardens.com.au
