Young and upcoming local Indigenous artists are invited to enter the second annual NQPHN Indigenous Youth Art Competition
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) has today launched the NQPHN Indigenous Youth Art Competition 2019 with the theme of Mental Health.
The competition, launched to coincide with National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June 2019), gives 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 mental health.
First prize is an Apple iPad Pro 10.5” 64GB Wi-Fi and Apple Pencil, valued at $1,000. 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 mental health and how the artist uses customs and traditions of their culture to stay mentally healthy.
“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 Mareeba State High School and Cooktown State High School.
The closing date for submissions is Monday 1 July at 11.59pm. Winners will be announced during NAIDOC Week (7-14 July 2019).
To find out more information about the art competition and to submit an entry, visit www.nqphn.com.au/indigenous-youth-art-comp