Voting extended for Westmead’s photo competition

With hundreds of entries flooding in, the People’s Choice Award has been extended to this Sunday 9 February.

The extension prompted Dr Pearl Lee and Kazuyo Okuyama (above) to place their votes at the exhibition in Westmead Hospital. But such is the quality of the 26 finalists, the decision requires plenty of thought.

Pearl, Senior Science Communicator (Health) at the University’s Westmead Initiative, said the competition’s quality was astounding.

“It’s incredible to see the sheer volume and diversity of applications – from professional photographers to high school students in the local community,” she said.

“What caught my attention while casting my vote were the stunning captures of local landscapes and the cultural diversity we have in the Greater Western Sydney region.

“In an environment where emotions range from the joy of giving birth to the sadness from the death of a loved one, art provides a way for these individuals to feel connected no matter what part of the journey they’re on.”

Kazuyo Okuyama, Acting Nursing Unit Manager – E3b, also reflected on the power of art in the hospital space.

“It takes our minds off what we’re facing every day,” she said. “It also helps the families coming in to visit us.

“It can be chaotic and dark so it’s great to see family, love and positivity in these images.

“Others are funny, different and cute. They take you somewhere else depending on your imagination.

“They also show the culture and diversity across western Sydney.”

You can vote at the exhibition or online until 5pm this Sunday 9 February. Here’s how:

• Visit the exhibition in the post office corridor of Westmead Hospital (either vote by clicking on the QR-code from your mobile phone or by filling out a voting card at the exhibition and submitting it in the entry boxes).
  
• Or vote online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/N6LBQWH​

Once the winners (top three plus The People’s Choice Award) are announced at a special presentation at Westmead Connectivity Centre on February 13, all 26 photos will be transported to their new home – spaces in Westmead’s new Central Acute Services Building (CASB).

Almost 800 entries flooded the competition towards the end of last year.

The competition, overseen by the Westmead Redevelopment Arts and Culture Committee, was open to the entire community – staff, volunteers, consumers, students and residents.

One of 14 projects in Westmead Redevelopment’s Arts and Culture Strategy, the competition comprises more than $4000 in prizemoney across six categories:

– Black and White – consisting of grey, black and white shades.

– Landscape and Nature – capturing nature, and aiming to create a soothing, calm environment.

– Cultural Landscape – capturing cultural aspects of society.

– Mobile (phone and tablet) – taken with a phone or tablet.

– Student – taken by students.

– Laboratory & Pathology – representing life, blood, science, disease & technology.

Click here to see all 26 finalists in the Westmead Redevelopment Photographic Competition.