Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) has today launched the NQPHN Indigenous Youth Art Competition 2020 with the theme of Regeneration.
The competition will run for four weeks, with the last week coinciding with the celebration of NAIDOC Week in schools, being the first week of term three, giving young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists the opportunity to showcase their talents and celebrate their culture through art.
The winning entries will display a strong, imaginative Indigenous artwork which is dynamic and conveys the competition theme of Regeneration.
First prize is an Apple iPad Pro 11” 128GB Wi-Fi and Apple Pencil, valued at $1,548. Second and third prizes on offer are gift vouchers for art supplies, valued at $500 and $250 respectively.
To be eligible to enter the competition, entrants must be between the ages of 13–21 years and reside in the NQPHN region – between Sarina in the south, west to Croydon and Kowanyama, and up to the northernmost point of the Torres Strait Islands.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer John Gregg said this initiative, created by the NQPHN Board, was an excellent opportunity to recognise young, talented Indigenous artists across North Queensland.
“NQPHN is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our region,” Mr Gregg said.
“The competition is part of NQPHN’s commitment to support Indigenous youth, and a meaningful pathway towards inclusion of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”
“This year we are looking for artworks that reflect the theme of Regeneration and how the artist tells the story of regeneration – life before, during, and after coronavirus – ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ and ‘In this together.’ How adjusting to a new way of knowing, being, and doing together can make you stronger.”
“We were blown away by the quality of artworks submitted in last year’s competition and we are looking forward to seeing the creativity and talent of this year’s entrants.”
Last year’s inaugural art competition saw a range of incredible submissions from gifted young artists, with the winners coming from Cairns and Herberton.
The closing date for submissions has been extended to Sunday 16 August at 11.59pm. Winners will be announced in the last week of August (24–30 August 2020).
To find out more information about the art competition and to submit an entry, visit www.nqphn.com.au/indigenous-youth-art-comp