Do I need a website to enter the Queensland Regional Art Awards?

The short answer is “no”. It is not essential to have a website to enter the Queensland Regional Art Awards (QRAA).

Nevertheless, a simple website can be useful if the QRAA judges would like more context about your work. Having a basic website often benefits artists. It lets all potential viewers of your work — for example, gallerists, collectors and judges — gain a comprehensive view of what you have been making and learn about your practice and background.

Making a website? Top tips

• First, work out your budget. Websites can cost from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars (Australian), depending on your needs and wants.
• Ensure you have good content for your website before you start making it. Content will likely include:
  • high quality images of your work. You do not need to photograph every single artwork you have ever made — just a representative selection! If you cannot take the photos yourself, you can employ a good arts photographer or someone with the equipment you might need, e.g. suitable lights.
  • the titles, dates and media (at least) of each work that you will feature on your website.
  • your artist’s CV. Refer to the Flying Arts Resource “How to write an artist’s CV or bio” for more tips.
  • links to your arts-based social media if you have accounts
  • your contact details (you may wish to set up a ‘professional’ email address to keep business inquiries separate from other emails). You do not need to include your phone number.
    

Build your site, or have it built for you!

There are many all-in-one website builders on the market. These offer a range of pre-existing templates and hosting services. Website builders (which include Squarespace, WordPress and many more) are usually straightforward. You don’t need specialist coding skills; rather, you “drag and drop” your information and images into your chosen template. Compare the various costs across services and choose a template that fits your purposes and your aesthetic.

Alternatively, some artists prefer to make or commission a bespoke site. This is an option but will generally require more work and financial outlay at the start, as well as ongoing maintenance.