The theme 'Our Heritage for the Future' encourages artists to celebrate all aspects of heritage including the built and natural environment, sacred sites and artefacts.

Forbes Arts Society Chair, Dr Karen Ritchie said, "This year's theme looks to the importance of all facets of heritage in honouring the stories of our past, celebrating lived heritage as it evolves in the present, and looking to the future to ensure the stories of our culture, significant historical and natural places and Indigenous heritage is protected for future generations."

While artists do not have to be residents of Forbes, their entries do need to portray an aspect of Forbes Shire heritage.

The competition has no set categories and is open to all art mediums and styles, with the finalists exhibited at the Platypus Gallery from April 27 until May 15 as part of the Our Heritage for the Future exhibition.

Winners of the Forbes Shire Council Acquisition Prize ($750) and Non-acquisitive Prize ($250) will be announced at the Forbes Heritage Award Night on Tuesday May 4, commencing at 6pm.

For more information about the Forbes Heritage Art Competition or the Our Heritage for the Future exhibition, visit www.forbesartssociety.com or follow @PlatypusGallery on Facebook and Instagram.

The Platypus Gallery opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10am until 2pm and Saturdays, 9am until 1pm.