Entries are now open for the 2023 East Gippsland Youth Art Prize.

Now in its sixth year, the Youth Art Prize showcases East Gippsland’s aspiring and emerging creatives.

Open to people aged 12-25 years living, working or studying in East Gippsland Shire, prize money is available to winners in each age category.

This year also features two new categories. The Indigenous category will celebrate the talents of First Nations young people, while the Future Proof category supports the work of a project by the same name which focusses on youth-led disaster recovery and community rebuilding.

An initiative of East Gippsland Shire Council, the Youth Art Prize is an opportunity for young creatives to experience the joy of being an exhibiting artist and seeing an audience appreciate their work and talents.

East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said the prize was a highlight of the region’s calendar of events.

“The Youth Art Prize has gone from strength to strength. The calibre of artwork is very impressive; each year the judges have a difficult time selecting the winning entries,” Cr Reeves said.

“Exposure to the arts can help young people develop many positive skills and capacities that are valued by leaders and employers. These include creative thinking, problem solving, drive, and academic performance, while most importantly boosting a young person’s confidence.”

Entries are invited from a wide range of media, including 3D printing, photography, sculpture, short film, digital art, painting, drawing, mixed media and more.

Entries close Friday 29 September. For more information, or to obtain an entry form, visit the Youth page on Council’s website, eastgippsland.vic.gov.au

A selection of works will form an exhibition at the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub in late October.

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