A much-anticipated event on Moreton Bay’s arts calendar is almost here, giving young aspiring artists the opportunity to have their work displayed at the Matthew Flinders Gallery in Bribie Island and viewed by local, interstate and international visitors.
The Next Generation Art Prize (Next Gen) is open to visual artists aged 7-18 from across the City of Moreton Bay.
Event coordinator and committee chair Fiona Boxall said the competition had grown in popularity year after year since it began in 2017.
“Last year, there were over 197 2D and 3D artworks exhibited,” she said. “Opening night attracted over 275 guests, including entrants, their families, dignitaries and local business sponsors.”
The competition welcomes entries in any subject and medium, except video and AI, with entry forms available online or in person at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre until 9 August.
“Artwork has to be ready for delivery on Saturday 15 / Sunday 16 August,” Fiona said. “We display all artworks and welcome freedom of expression.”
This year also marks the introduction of the event’s youngest participants yet.
“This is the inaugural year for our early engagement initiative,” she said. “Two local kindergartens are sharing a ‘Kindy Wall’ with an environmental focus during the exhibition.”
While the kindergarten entries are not eligible for prizes, the initiative encourages children to explore environmental themes through art while sharing their discoveries with the wider community.
Encouraging Young Creative Voices
Thanks to contributions from the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre and other local sponsors, more than $6,000 in prizes will be awarded across the competition, including age-group awards in both 2D and 3D categories, along with special prizes recognising creativity, sustainability, emerging talent and artistic achievement.
The exhibition runs from 26 August to 12 September, with visitors invited to vote for their favourite artwork for the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Bribie Island Bowls Club.
The invitation-only opening night on 29 August will feature award presentations and live performances by emerging local musicians set against the mural backdrop by artists Nicole Gulwell and Trinity Cory.
“Come along to the show to see the incredible talent of our region’s youngest artists,” Fiona said. “It’s wonderful to be part of this event and empower young artists to shine.”
Get entry and exhibition details here.
Next Generation Art Prize
- Wednesday, 26 August – Saturday, 12 September
- Bribie Island Community Arts Centre
- 191 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach
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