Deadline extended for PICA entries

Organisers of this year’s Print Industry Creativity Awards have extended the deadline for entries until 5pm on Friday 14 May, citing requests from many intending entrants for the extra period of grace.

The Awards, which recognise and celebrate the achievement of excellence in the print and wider graphic communications sector, have been open for entries for some six weeks, but Peter Harper from Visual Connections, which organises the Awards, says they’ve had a flood of calls from businesses requesting an extension.

“This is a perennial challenge for Awards, but it’s been amplified this year as market demand is picking up while businesses are still coming to terms with Covid-safe operation and staffing levels,” he said.

“Many businesses have told us they are intending to enter but simply haven’t had the time to fill out the online entry form, while others are busy trying to locate samples of work done while only a skeleton staff was on-site – so there are multiple challenges”.

By revising the timelines for judging, a couple of extra weeks has been made available for those still wanting to enter – but Harper warns, “this is it”.

“We have a full judging programme to get through, plus winning entries all need to be photographed for the production of the Awards books. So, while we are happy to be as accommodating as we can, there will be no further extensions.”

To submit work into the print or design categories, or nominate a business or industry leader for recognition, entrants should go to www.printingawards.com.au without delay. Once the online entry is submitted, physical copies can be posted but must arrive at the Visual Connections Sydney offices by close of business on 14 May.

The Awards are hosted by the Print & Visual Communications Association, whose members are entitled to claim their first entry free of charge.

Judging for the Awards will be held in Sydney during May, with winners announced at PICA Presentations during July - SA on Friday 2, Victoria on Friday 9, NSW Friday 16, Queensland on Friday 23, and WA on Saturday 31.

Winners at the State PICAs will automatically be entered into the 38th National Print Awards, with the national honours presented at the industry’s “night of nights” on Thursday 30 September, during PacPrint in Melbourne.