The aim of the Young Artist Awards is to showcase and celebrate emerging young artists through a professional exhibition at the Zig Zag Gallery in Kalamunda, connecting the community with up-and-coming young creatives.
In 2025, our theme is “Myths” inviting young people to use your imaginations and create a piece of work inspired by your favourite folklore stories and legends. With a broad meaning the program invites you to use your imagination and connect with your own history and cultural legends. This theme is intentionally broad to encourage imagination and creativity when delving into possibilities surrounding folklore and legends.
You will have the opportunity to provide an artist statement that explains your work and connection to the theme.
Works that have been selected for exhibition will be further assessed by a panel of three arts professionals for the following award categories.
If you are aged between 11 and 25 years and live, work, volunteer or study in the City of Kalamunda we invite you to submit your art. Artworks submitted will be reviewed by a panel of judges and a selection will be chosen to display at the September gallery exhibition.
The criteria that will be used in the selection process includes:
Art forms eligible for the Young Artist Awards include:
2D works are not to exceed 1100mm x 1100mm. 3D works are not to exceed 800mm x 800mm (just in case something is too large) or weighs more than 25k.
All 2D work (drawing, painting, photography, etc.) must be framed (or mounted on a board) and ready to hang:
3D works must be structurally sound enough to be self-supported on a plinth.
This exhibition is targeted towards displaying up-and-coming young artists in the community and to build their portfolio. Sale of Works will be available for 18+ entrants during the exhibition.
Artworks submitted are not required to be made available for sale and if you would like to retain your work you can. When submitting, there is a section where you have the ability to select your own price for the piece or mark this as not for sale.
*Successful shortlisted entries for exhibition notified: Friday 11 August 2025
The Young Artist Awards are judged the City of Kalamunda's Youth Services Team and the Youth Advisory Council who have chosen the theme for the awards. The judge’s decision is final, however young people are welcome to request feedback from the judges about their work.
To help prepare our Emerging Artists for this years Awards from February to March there will be a series of workshops open to all young artists to attend to assist them in their submission. These workshops will be facilitated by a range or Arts Professionals and will be free to attend.
If you need some extra development as an artist surrounding preparation for an exhibition, come along and learn:
Young people entering the Awards as well as their families and/or friends are welcome to attend this free workshop.
The Young Artist Awards Exhibition Opening Night is held at the Zig Zag Gallery in Kalamunda.
This is a free event, and all applicants, family, friends and other supporters are invited to this celebration of young artists. The evening will feature live music, drinks and nibbles. You must reserve a ticket to attend this evening.
* Please note, as this is an all-ages event, the exhibition opening night will be alcohol free.
1. Please complete the artist application form below.2. Submit the form alongside a 300dpi high-resolution image (a good smartphone quality will be okay) of your artwork
Photographing your work:• High quality image (300dpi) • Avoid including any background like busy walls (blank walls are ok)• Remove works from glass frames if applicable to avoid reflections/flash
(required)
This field is required
(required) Artwork must be an image (jpg, jpeg, png,) or PDF file. Please ensure the image shows the entire art piece and is of good quality and light. Images should be: • High quality image (300dpi) • Avoid including any background like walls • Remove works from glass frames if applicable to avoid reflections/flash • Maximum size permitted - 10MB
(required) Width x Height (in millimeters) | 2D works are not to exceed 1100mm x 1100mm | 3D works are not to exceed 1m square or weigh more than 25kg.
(required) Explain your work and connection to the theme.
All applicants are required to have read, understood and agree to the Young Artist Awards 2025 - terms and conditions.
* - mandatory fields
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