Operation Art is an inspiring exhibition celebrating young artists while helping to create a more welcoming and healing environment for children in hospital.
Proudly sponsored by Willoughby City Council, the exhibition showcases artworks created by students from across central and greater Sydney, highlighting their imagination, talent and unique perspectives on the world.
Among the artworks on display, 20 have been selected for the prestigious Hospital 50 collection. These works will find a permanent home at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, where they will help brighten hospital spaces and bring comfort, hope and moments of joy to children and families during challenging times.
Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor said the exhibition is a powerful reminder of the difference art can make in people's lives.
"Each piece represents a young person sharing something deeply personal – their creativity, their joy and their perspective on the world," Mayor Taylor said.
"When a child is in hospital, it can be a difficult and emotional experience for both children and their families. A colourful artwork, a familiar character or a scene that sparks imagination can provide a welcome moment of comfort and distraction when it is needed most.
Operation Art is an initiative of The Children's Hospital at Westmead in partnership with the NSW Department of Education, which has been running for more than 30 years. The program encourages students to create artworks that can help improve the wellbeing of children receiving medical treatment, while also providing valuable learning opportunities through visual arts workshops and teacher professional development.
The exhibition officially opened on Saturday 30 May, with students, families, teachers, organisers and community members gathering to celebrate the young people and their contributions to this long-running initiative.
Operation Art is on display from 30 May to 28 June at Art Space Gallery – The Concourse, with selected works also exhibited throughout Chatswood Library.
