The NSW Government-supported awards will celebrate and reward the state’s outstanding creative industries achievements.

Three award categories are open for nomination - the NSW Creative Laureate, the NSW Emerging Creative Talent Award, and a NSW Young Creative Award.

The NSW Creative Laureate will recognise a candidate who has made a significant contribution to increasing the industry’s global profile. The 2018 winner will join past prestigious winners like Plastic Wax, Saatchi & Saatchi Australia and Animal Logic.

With a $15,000 prize, the NSW Emerging Creative Talent Award will recognise an individual, team or organisation that has shown originality and innovation and contributed to raising the global profile of NSW creative industries.

For the first time this year, a NSW Young Creative Award will recognise contributions made by those aged up to 25 with the winner to get mentoring to the value of $3,000.

Minister for Trade and Industry Niall Blair encouraged nominations from across the state.

“NSW is bursting with creative talent and I look forward to celebrating the winners during Vivid – our annual festival that celebrates creativity in our state’s capital,” Mr Blair said.

“I am extremely proud of the fact that the creative industries in NSW accounts for about 42 per cent of the national industry total and employs over 212 000 people.

“These awards allow us to celebrate the individuals who contribute to our state’s impressive standing in creative arts and allows them to reach new heights in their chosen fields.”

Anna Plunkett, from fashion label Romance Was Born which won the NSW Emerging Creative Talent Award last year, said it has opened new markets for the company.

“This award has opened new doors in areas we would not have expected for our business. It’s great for brands to receive industry recognition and it's super important they are supported in this way to grow awareness,” Ms Plunkett said.

Nominate before the closing date this Friday, March 16 at: http://nswciawards.com.au/