Moreton Bay’s youngest put their art into it at awards

Published 27 October 2021

Eye-popping creations and rich illustrations have stolen the show at this year’s Moreton Bay Region Youth Art Awards, highlighting the community’s next generation of creative excellence.

Twenty-eight works took out top honours against a field of more than 300 entries, with colourful costumes, powerful paintings and even a nod to Marvel’s Iron Man catching the eye of the annual event’s judge.

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery congratulated the awardees and entrants, and said it reinforced council’s push for a major university campus with creative industries in the region.

“Whether it’s the arts, STEM, business, or sport - we want to give the next generation in Moreton Bay the best possible opportunity to pursue their passion. And the sheer number of quality entries in this year’s art awards proves why,” Mayor Flannery said.

“This year’s judge was QAGOMA Children’s Art Centre’s Laura Mudge, and she’s no stranger to top-flight art. So for her to pick these winners and have such positive things to say, goes to show that our young artists are some of the best not just in the state, but the country.

“As a region, we don’t want to lose our creative talent. That’s why as part of the The Mill at Moreton Bay, we’ve advocated for a locally-based creative industries degree. And I have no doubt that some of the artists exhibited this year, may very well soon be walking into the classroom at USC’s Petrie campus.

“I’m extremely honoured that we’ve been able to showcase these works at our very own Strathpine Community Centre, which together with our galleries across the region, is fast-making Moreton Bay a must-see destination for art.  

Mayor Flannery said winners walked away with cash prizes for their efforts, including $1,000 for each school that won in the collaborative artwork category.  

“From Bree Fraser’s piece Slipping Away to Riley Rachow’s 3D creation Fishing with Grandad, this year’s awards was an exhibition that all entrants and winners can be proud of.

“I look forward to talking about these artists in a few years’ time when they’re the talk of the art world, and saying they came from our region and were discovered here first at our Moreton Bay Youth Art Awards.”

Full list of winners:

The Queensland Art Gallery ǀ Gallery of Modern Art’s Children’s Art Centre believes there is no right or wrong way when it comes to making art, the most important thing is having a go. We recognise that every child has a different approach and value their personal creativity and expression.

For more information head to www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au

ENDS