Future artists supported by awards

Young Waverley residents have a chance to get creative this month.

The annual Waverley Youth Art Awards will display their works at The Bondi Pavillion from June 22.

A Waverley Council Spokesperson said: “Each year we invite a range of established, practising artists or curators to judge the entries.

These judges change each year to give different perspectives in appraisal of the works and also to give a variety of interesting practising artists to speak to the young artists.”

This year’s theme, ‘Conspiracy, Myth, Legend’, will see residents showcasing their paintings, drawings, sculptures, mixed media and photography.

A spokesperson said: “The Youth Art Award is important to the community as we are supporting creative endeavours, the emergence of new work…It’s an opportunity to not only show the local community these works but also national and international visitors the talents of our local young people.”

The event has been running since 1985 and was forme as a celebration of International Year Of Youth to support and encourage young local artists.

The opening night on June 21 will award prizes including open, senior and junior awards.

A Waverley Council spokesperson said: “A few years ago, a new prize category was incorporated, ‘The Environment Prize’, which reflected Council’s commitment to our local environment and it is a way that Council can keep this vital part of our care for the community recognised.”

The spokesperson believes the award fosters up and coming local artists.

“Over the years, the Bondi Pavilion Gallery has had feedback from people who have been entrants in the Youth Art Award and have commented that the Youth Art Award gave them the opportunity and the encouragement to go on to become practising artists or to go on to be great art appreciators.”