Here is a complex and obvious question: why is art important?

Research suggests art possesses an intrinsic ability to change beliefs and attitudes. Art enriches us. What transcends the economic value of art is its creation.

This is the process where an artist synthesises concept, technique and emotional values into a work of poignant meaning or a profound expression of challenging impact or simply a statement of beauty. Rarely is the reaction to art indifference. And herein lies the uniqueness of the Charman Prize.

First, let us address the elephant in the gallery – in summary, the pros and cons of a juried art competition. Regarding the pros for the artist, the Charman is unparalleled — exposure for emerging and established artists, meaningful networking, a potential sale and the cash prizes.

Arguably the greatest downside to a juried competition is the potentially negative impact a submission’s rejection may have on an artist’s esteem, future motivations and aspirations. Another con is the application of the judging criteria and judges who may not fully understand the visual vernacular of Bermuda.

In recent iterations of the Charman Prize the strength of technical prowess married to the reach of idea and concept has rendered an artistic virtuosity that undeniably resonates within this exhibition. Gone is the staid cliché and the unprompted scepticism of fair and equitable representations.

To explore the context of the Charman Prize, I put the following questions to Masterworks’ Risa Hunter, executive director and Jasmine Lee, exhibition officer and curator.

How does Masterworks keep The Charman Prize relevant for the artist and the viewer?

Hunter: The Charman Prize in its eleventh edition and this year‘s theme is “The Local Seen”. John Charman, who cares deeply about the artist and the community, wants this theme to be the focal point of this exhibition.

He likes the focal point to be Bermuda centric. This year “The Local Seen” is a way for artists to express current passions, concerns, political views — all within the umbrella of thinking about Bermuda culture. As you walk around and see the Charman you will pick up on artists who are focused on current issues of sustainability, environment, religion, race relations and everything that is of the time and worthy of discussion and a viewpoint.

Lee: I think if you were talking about relevancy, it is less so Masterworks keeping it relevant as it is the artist that keeps it relevant. There are have been 11 Charman Prizes and I can confidently say we have received 100 entries every time. This is what keeps the Charman Prize relevant — the artist. The artists have so much to say. They are producing so much work. They are inherently a part of our community and the Charman Prize gives them a platform to show that. The artist and the community’s support are what keeps the Charman Prize relevant. If those two components are not there then it doesn’t work. It doesn’t matter what Masterworks wants; at the end of the day, it’s about what the artist is doing.

What aspects of the Charman Prize appeals to you?

Hunter: The opportunity it provides is the magic behind the Charman. We are delighted when we see professional artists submit alongside new and emerging artists. The magic is in the visibility and the recognition given to the artist. It shows that the artist is recognized locally, and also within a global context with international jurors. The networking component with its relationship building is unique as it offers a head start for the new artist or propels an established artist even further along in their career.

Lee: I will emphasise the significance of the monetary prizes. Also seeing an artist push boundaries and seeing an artist trying something new with direction or with a medium. It’s fun to see an artist take risks and go in a new direction – to see the progressiveness that many of our artists have.

How are the Charman Prize winners selected?

Lee: Three international judges will be visiting at the end of March and prior to their visit they review the Charman Prize catalogue. When the judges are here, they individually view the exhibition to experience it on their own and this is followed by a roundtable discussion by the judges without the Masterworks team. The Masterworks team is not involved with the judges’ selection of the Charman Prize winners.

Since 2008, the artistic trajectory of the Charman Prize has been towards a cultural and intellectual sophistication that has transcended the simple framework of a juried show. The Charman Prize reflects an evolution in creative directions, intellectual assertions and emotional impulses based on sound ideas and concrete thematic explorations. As a collective, it is a creative tour de force, a multifaceted artistic phenomenon that is now a prominent event on the landscape of Bermudian art. And it is certainly worth the visit. Here is a soft suggestion: turn to page 5 in the Charman Prize 2023 catalogue and pick your prize winners.

This is dedicated in memoriam to artist William Collieson, 1946-2023.

• The Charman Prize runs at Masterworks until March 31, 2024