And what happens when the artists all know each other and the judges know all the artists – how can the process be fair, balanced and focused?

Prue Acton, ex-fashion icon and now painter living and working in the Bega Valley, founded The Living Artist Project, a scholarship to be given to a local emerging artist.

The applicants range from a 40-something ex-alcoholic to a single mother of four to a 27-year-old art school graduate from Bermagui.

The artwork itself is also wide-ranging and includes video art, basketry and printmaking, making the judging decisions tough.

The judges must not only set aside their preferences in relation to the art forms but also their personal opinions of the applicants.

The documentary by producer Cian O’Clery, whose mother operates the Narek Galleries at Tanja, follows the stories of four of the local artists as they vie for the coveted prize amongst competition rumours, personal dislikes and self doubts.

Tensions rise and the pressure mounts as judgment day looms…

Check out www.thelivingartistfilm.com to find out more.

The Living Artist airs on ABC1 on Tuesday, February 9 at 10pm and then again on ABC2 on Sunday, February 14, at 6:30pm.