Following its successful launch year in 2005, the Eco Prize for Creativity is now inviting entries for its 2006 award.

The Eco Prize is awarded for a creative work in Scotland that inspires greener lifestyles and environmentally-friendly living. All creative forms from across the cultural and creative industries are eligible - from music, photography, design and sculpture to animation, literature and film. Entries are invited from individual creatives, from individual members of artistic groups and from employees of creative companies.

This award is an initiative of the Eco Trust. The 2006 Prize is sponsored by Ecology Building Society, a mutual building society in the UK dedicated to improving the environment. In 2006 the Prize is run in association with leading environmental group, Friends of the Earth Scotland, and with The Lighthouse, Scotland’s National Centre for Architecture, Design and City - the hub for the creative industries in Scotland - and Sust., the Lighthouse on sustainability.

The Eco Trust is calling for entries that demonstrate flair and originality and inspire others to participate in environmentally friendly living. There are two entry categories: emerging talent and established talent. The winner in each category will receive £1,000.

Kay Henning, Founder and Trustee of the Eco Trust said:

“With this award we hope to inspire winning entries with the flair and inventiveness to touch the lives of many people in Scotland. We want to celebrate positive and imaginative works which encourage greener living.”

Jenny Barton of Ecology Building Society said:

“We are pleased to sponsor this award and we hope it will increase knowledge and awareness of environmental and sustainability issues, and inspire more people to live greener lives.”

Jaimie MacDonald, an artist shortlisted for last year’s prize, noted:

“This has given me valuable publicity and the confidence to continue with the work that I care about. I hope the competition continues to uncover the talent and potential of many environmentally aware artists for years to come.”

Details of the prize and how to enter are available at: http://www.eco-prize.org.uk