City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Margaret O'Rourke has announced the winners of this year's RAW ARTS Awards in a special live online presentation on Thursday evening.
Cr O'Rourke said the decision was made during the early stages of the COVID-19 shutdown for the RAW ARTS awards to go ahead online to celebrate the wonderful creativity of young people.
"The annual RAW Arts Awards celebrates the creativity of young artists, writers, performers and film makers." Cr O'Rourke said.
"Art has always had a role in health and wellbeing and in times of crisis and stress that role is even more important, and RAW was a way of encouraging and supporting artmaking for our young people at this time.
"This year we were delighted to receive 101 applications across the four categories in Visual Arts, Digital Media, Literature and Performing Arts."
A City initiative, RAW is committed to fostering the talents and artistic pursuits of young people under 25 in the Greater Bendigo region. Category winners received an $1000 prize, while those highly recommended in each section received $250 prize money.
A RAW Arts Awards website has been specially created with a gallery of the visual arts images and links to the digital media work. A booklet of literature is available to be downloaded and profiles of performing arts entrants are also featured on the website. All applicants will receive a special printed catalogue soon.
"I warmly congratulate all of our artists and wish them the very best with all future endeavours and I hope they continue to grow their creativity and skill in their chosen fields because the more that we foster creativity and innovation here in Greater Bendigo, the more vibrant and inviting a place it will be for everyone."
Digital Media Award:
Winner: Mitchell Cook for "Bitconned"
Highly Commended: Eric Lovett for "Youth"
Literary Award:
Winner: Alia Melgin-Hill for her short story "Water"
Highly Commended: Teaghan Perryman, for her poem "Not your cinder"
Performing Arts Scholarship:
Winner: Charlie Davis-Tope, singer/song writer and pianist
Highly Commended: Jade Cuskelly, Vocal/Drama
Visual Arts Award:
Winner: Tahlia McCuskey "Face to face"
Highly Commended: Charlie Clark for "Senses"
The RAW Arts awards are normally presented at an annual presentation at The Capital with a showcase exhibition at Dudley House. To view the Mayor's speech and to see the work submitted for RAW 2020 including the winners, please visit www.bendigoregion.com.au/rawarts
