Jondaryan State School students have proudly completed their entry for the upcoming Takatsuki Art Festival held in November 2025 in Toowoomba's Japanese Sister City, Takatsuki.
The students, from years three to six, worked collaboratively painting on a large-scale canvas, measuring 2.5 metres high by 3.5 metres wide, reflecting this year's festival theme "____ in the Future."
They interpreted this theme through "new things in old places", imagining what the future could look like in a spectacular, ancient place like Uluru.
Toowoomba Region Council Economic Development portfolio spokesperson Cr Edwina Farquhar congratulated the students on their creativity and commitment to international exchange.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for Jondaryan State School students to showcase their imagination on an international stage. Their artwork reflects both respect for First Nations history and sacred land, and it also demonstrates their optimism for the future," Cr Farquhar said.
"Toowoomba and Takatsuki have enjoyed a strong Sister City relationship since 1991, and the annual Art Festival is a great way to strengthen cultural ties and foster creativity in our young people."
The Takatsuki Art Festival is held every November and has become a highlight of the city's cultural calendar. Its aims to stimulate community activity while discovering and nurturing young talent. Takatsuki is increasingly recognised as an "art city", with the festival's main display, the Large-Scale Artworks Exhibition at the Arcade, featuring student canvases displayed from the rooftop of the shopping arcade.
Each year, a different Toowoomba Region primary school participates in the Art Festival which provides students with a unique learning opportunity.
"This kind of exchange not only encourages our students to think creatively but also gives them the chance to see how their work fits into a global conversation about culture, art and the future," Cr Farquhar said.
Previous Toowoomba Region schools which have participated in the Takatsuki Art Festival:
- 2018 - Toowoomba Anglican School and Toowoomba Photographic Society Junior Class
- 2019 - Highfields State School
- 2021 - Oakey State School - who won the "Full of Dreams" Judges Commendation Award
- 2022 - Gowrie State School
- 2023 - Toowoomba North State School - who won the Kirameki Award
- 2024 - Highfields State School - who won the Fantasy Award
Photo caption: This year's Takatsuki Art Festival entry 'New things in old places' painted by the year three to six Jondaryan State School students.
