Entries are now open for East Gippsland's seventh annual Youth Art Prize, a celebration of our region's budding creatives.

The art prize is organised by East Gippsland Shire Council. Artists aged 12-25 who live, work, or study in the area are invited to showcase their talent and compete for recognition.

Mayor Tom Crook hailed the competition as an important event for emerging creatives.

"This prize not only highlights the incredible talent of our youth but also offers them a genuine taste of life as exhibiting artists," Cr Crook said.

"It's an opportunity for our community to engage with and celebrate the talent of our young people. By fostering an environment where young people can express their creativity and talents, we create the conditions for our youth to thrive - and every community benefits from that.”

The competition welcomes an array of artistic expression, from painting, drawing and photography, to cutting-edge digital art and 3D printing.

Participants will vie for prizes across three age categories: 12 to 15; 16 to 20; and 21 to 25 years.

Four artistic categories, each offering a $250 first prize, are Digital Media/Photography/Film; Visual Arts - Painting/Drawing; Physical 3D Works; and Indigenous Artwork.

“This competition is about more than just entering a work. Engaging in the arts nurtures crucial skills such as creative thinking, problem-solving and academic performance, while boosting confidence," Cr Crook said.

Selected works will be exhibited at the Forge Theatre Gallery, with the opening and awards ceremony scheduled for 5.00 pm on Wednesday 18 September 2024.

The exhibition will also be displayed online via the BraveArtsEG Virtual Gallery at braveartseg.com.au.

The competition is open now and deadline for entries is 5.00 pm on Friday 5 September. To enter and for additional information visit eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/youth.

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