Grafton Regional Gallery officially launched the Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award (JADA) this week. Entries are now open to all artists living in Australia. JADA is Australia’s riches regional drawing award with prize money totalling $40,000. For the first time the major prize is now worth $30,000 with further acquisitions the value of $10,000. The last JADA attracted 420 entries, with 45 selected from a panel of judges including arts professionals, art directors and artists. The winner for 2016 JADA will be chosen by Dr Suhanya Raffel from Art Gallery NSW. “This prestige award puts the Clarence Valley on the map”, said gallery director Jude McBean. This nationally-recognised award attracts entries from across Australia. After the JADA is presented at the gallery it sets off on tour for 18 months to other regional galleries. Entries are accepted from 1st April to 6th August at $33 per entry. For further enquiries phone 6642 3177.