Three categories are still available for nomination in the awards, the Creative Laureate award, the Emerging Creative Talent award and the Young Creative award.

“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.”

He also praised the awards and their ability to shine a spotlight on “outstanding creative” participants.

“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,” he added.

The Creative Laureate award will recognise a nominated candidate who has “made a significant contribution to increasing the industry’s global profile”, while the 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” and will boast a $15,000 prize.

Also included in the 2018 awards, for the first time, is the Young Creative Award, which will recognise contributions made by those aged up to 25, and will boast $3,000 worth of mentoring as the major award prize.

Anna Plunkett, the current recipient of the Emerging Creative Talent Award last year, revealed winning the award has created new avenues and ventures for her business.

“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.

Nominations are open now at nswciawards.com.au/.