FIFE'S biggest annual arts competition will still be held in 2020, despite the coronavirus crisis.

Organisers ONFife, and sponsors Shell, are taking entries for the competition online and are delighted to announce a new aspect to this year’s Fife Art Exhibition, which annually attracts hundreds of entries from amateur artists living throughout the kingdom.

Last year's competition produced several winners from the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area in the shape of Thomas Cargill, from Cowdenbeath; Moira MacPherson, of Kelty; and Lochgelly's Angela Braisher.

This year there will be a new theme of Coast and Waters, tying in with VisitScotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 campaign.

It is hoped that Government Covid-19 guidelines will allow for the exhibition to be held in Rothes Halls, Glenrothes, in October and November, but plans are under way for it to be a ‘virtual’ show online if that is not possible.

As in previous years, the six works judged best will be purchased by Shell and presented to Fife hospitals and healthcare facilities, while each of the winning artists will receive a Shell award of £200.

“At times like these, art and culture in all their forms are needed more than ever and we are delighted to be able to announce that, despite the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, this artistic highlight of the year will be going ahead,” said Michelle Sweeney, Director of Creative Development at ONFife.

“Fife is blessed with an unrivalled coastline and beautiful inland waters and this year we’re challenging participants to capture this in their artworks.”

Teresa Waddington, Shell Fife NGL plant manager at Mossmorran, said: “We’re really pleased to continue our support for Fife Art this year.

"With the positive impact that art can have on wellbeing and with many of us spending more time at home during this unusual time, I hope people will be inspired to get creative and submit their artwork.

“The quality of the entries is always fantastic and we’re looking forward to seeing this year’s submissions on the theme of coast and water.”

The competition is open to all amateur artists living in Fife who are not currently or have not completed full-time degree or diploma art courses. Only one work per artist can be submitted but work can be in any medium. The closing date for entries is Monday, September 7.

Full details of the competition and entry form can be found at www.onfife.com (full website address to be added). Alternatively, call 01592 583255 for further information.