Supporting Young Artists

We all know that there are some seriously talented young artists out there and, thankfully, there are many amazing people, establishments and companies that are doing all that they can to support them.

With everything on offer from development opportunities, mentoring, training and exhibiting options, these talented young things have an abundance of encouragement.

If you are into the arts, you will appreciate the commitment these folks have to fostering and, therefore, cementing a fantastically packed art future in Sydney.

There are so many supporters, competitions and events for the burgeoning artists but some to look out for in Sydney are below.

See and explore the art before the artists’ showings become so highly sought after that you can’t move in the room (although, that happens at some of the exhibitions they are already involved in, they are THAT good!)

Art Express

If you have never seen Art Express, you will hardly believe it. Chosen from the previous years HSC submissions for Visual Arts, you’ll find a combination of the best of everything from ceramics, drawing, graphic design, photo media, sculpture, textile and many more.

The artworks that are picked for Art Express are breathtaking. And even more so because the artists are so young. It’s inspirational, aspirational, and just plain amazing. These are teenagers, if you can fathom that. I’m still getting my head around it because they could be seasoned exhibitors, in my eyes.

When: Until 25 April
Where: The Art Gallery of NSW

Belle ArtStart

On the 21st February, with almost 100 entries from artists aged 15-25, the Belle ArtStart judging, sale and winners’ announcement is happening. With the aim of discovering new, young, inspiring artists and art, Artstart allows artists to have the motivation to create and also to be creatively accepted.

When: 21 February.

Inside tip: If you’re keen to be involved, get in quickly as entries close on the 16th of February.

Folk Alliance

The Folk Alliance conducts the ‘Young Artist of the Year’ Award each year for singers, bands and musicians alike.

The goal of the project and award is to “boost the profile of young performers and to introduce, support and encourage them to reach the next level of their development”.

When: The showcase will be held at the National Folk Festival in Canberra on 1 April.

Art Schools

UNSW Art and Design and the National Art School are helping these young things become amazing by teaching them all that they need to know. Both have incredible exhibitions to showcase the talent, so make sure you keep an eye out for what’s coming up.

Where else?

The following establishments, companies, initiatives and exhibition spaces or competitions are huge supporters of the arts, in particular the up and comers.

• Create NSW
• Museum of Contemporary Art:
  Primavera
  Young Creatives
• Artbank
• Art Pharmacy
• Young Artists Program with Opera Australia

Remember, these initiatives get our young artists started and encourage them to follow their dreams and talent but it’s us, as the audience, that is an integral part in their success. Go, see, observe, absorb and help these young gifted artists prosper! Don’t forget … We all have to start somewhere.

words by emily carstairs