2023 Waverley Youth Art Prize winners announced

Waverley Council is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Waverley Youth Art Prize which this year saw young artists respond to the theme 'Climate Utopia'.

The Waverley Youth Art Prize provides a platform to celebrate and recognise the talents of emerging artists aged nine to 18 who live, study or spend time in Waverley. This year's event had a record breaking 212 entries.

^{Winners of the 2023 Waverley Art Prize.}

All artworks are exhibited at Waverley Library Gallery until Wednesday 28 June, allowing visitors to appreciate the artistic skills and perspectives of these talented young individuals who responded to the Climate Utopia theme in such thoughtful and creative ways.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said the exhibition provides a fantastic opportunity for emerging artists to have their work seen by a wider audience.

"We estimate that over the next month, some 30,000 people will visit the library and see these artworks which raise awareness among the audience about the significance of environmental stewardship and the potential for positive change," Mayor Masselos said.

"Being acknowledged and celebrated through this award not only validates our entrants' artistic abilities but also encourages them to continue exploring their passion for art and pursue their artistic journeys."

Waverley Council is proud to announce the following winners:

The Climate Utopia theme was nominated by youth members of the Council's Power to the Future project to encourage young artists to think about hope, possible futures and the environment.

Power to the Future is a project for local students to translate ideas, new knowledge, skills, and energy to influence change and undertake tangible and effective climate actions through an intergenerational exchange approach to empower youth in partnership with seniors, council staff and community partners.

"In these artworks we see depictions of the environment, thriving ecosystems, dire warnings, helpful tips and suggestions for change and ultimately, predictions and visions of a sustainable future," Mayor Masselos said.

"For instance, the Mayor's Prize winner Mila Bell, expressed the duality of the world with a rip in a bleak urban streetscape revealing a hopeful environment scene beneath. The work shows the possibility of a brighter future in her winning art work, A glimpse.

"Overall, this exhibition conveys an incredible sense of hope and it fills me with confidence to know these artists are the thinkers are our future."

Art Prize judges, artists Philippa Hagon, known for upcycling every day and found objects, and Armando Chant, who uses erasure, disruption and repetition to alter found images, were hugely impressed by the entrants' artistic expression.

Winners received a range of art materials to help with future creations. Senior first place winner, Arfi aka Angus-Fisher, received a voucher to attend the National Art School's summer program.

Waverley Council is a leader in sustainability and was one of the first organisations in Australia to declare a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030 for the Council and a net zero target of 2035 for our community.

"We have driven school waste programs, recycling improvement programs, waterwise programs, environmental grants, Bushcare, compost and Living Connections programs," Mayor Masselos said.

"These are just some of the ways that we are driving the region towards its own "climate utopia"."