MEDIA RELEASE COURTESY OF: 2010 PASCALL PRIZE FOR CRITICAL WRITING

(NATIONAL) Nominations for the 2010 Pascall Prize for Australia's critic of the year are open until close of business on Friday 19 February. The $15,000 national prize is awarded annually to a critic whose work has significantly contributed to the public appreciation, enjoyment and understanding of the arts.

Critics are encouraged to enter themselves, as are editors, publishers, producers and colleagues of perceived talent.

Any person currently and regularly engaged in writing or broadcasting critically about any branch of the arts is eligible for the Pascall Prize Work entered may relate to any aspect of the creative or performing arts, including so-called ‘popular culture’. The word ‘arts’ is to be interpreted broadly so as to include, for example, radio and television, photography, architecture and food and wine as well as literature, visual arts and performing arts.

The winner will be selected by an eminent panel with strong connections to a wide range of artistic practice. The Pascall “Critic of the Year” will be announced at a function in Sydney in May 2010 as part of the Sydney Writers Festival Previous winners include Alison Croggon for her newspaper and blogging criticism on theatre,(2009) Paul Byrnes for his wry, personable film criticism and analysis, (2008) Robert Foster for his popular music columns (2007) Gerard Winsor, a freelance literary critic ( 2005), Peter Craven -prolific reviewer, critic, columnist and essayist (2004) and broadcaster Julie Rigg as a film reviewer ( 2003).

For guidelines and entry form visit the website http://www.aussing.com.au/pascall/Pascall_Guidelines.htm

Closing date: Friday 19th February 2010