Twenty youth artworks have been installed this week on community buildings across Byron Shire, chosen from around 100 entries submitted during last year’s Youth Art competition.
Byron mayor Simon Richardson said the talent shown by the young Byronians was wonderful.
‘It’s with great pride that the artworks are being showcased on public buildings. Not only do they brighten up the building facades, they will also help engender a sense of civic pride and hopefully stop some of the buildings being targeted with vandalism and graffiti,’ he said.
Byron Shire Council’s youth activity officer Belle Arnold said she was delighted with the outcome of the Youth Art project.
‘It’s a fantastic opportunity for our local young people to receive acknowledgment plus have their work featured as part of our community spaces,’ Ms Arnold said.
‘The competition has opened up public art to more local young people and allows our community to enjoy and celebrate the vibrant contribution our local young people make.’
South Golden Beach Community Association president Kathy Norley, and Community Centre president Angela Dunlop, were on hand to say thank you to one of the young artists.
Ms Norley said Fara Jouir’s colourful artwork was a wonderful gift for the community.
‘To think this young lady is in Year 9. Her artwork is a remarkable achievement. Our community has felt a bit flat lately with the recent vandalism we’ve experienced on our public buildings and this has been a real boost for community spirit,’ Ms Norley said.
In late 2011, Byron Shire Council ran a competition for young artists around the themes Aboriginal Indigenous, Community, Our Local Culture, Environment Terrestrial (land), Environment Marine (sea), Music, Recreation, Sport, and Youth Culture.
The works were submitted in A3 form and the media included ink, watercolour, acrylic and oil painting, drawing, collage and photography.
In the past week, an additional twenty artworks were installed in various locations including Apex Park, Jonson Street and the Byron Community and Cultural Centre in Byron Bay, South Golden Beach Hall and Amenity Block, Pilgram Park in Brunswick Heads, Water Lily Park in Ocean Shores, Mullumbimby Library, Station Street Amenity Block in Mullumbimby and on the Council Administration Building also in Mullumbimby.
The young artists featured include: Uma Gordon, Amy Loh, Christina Moody, Daisy Buckthorpe, Fara Jouir, Ali Webber, Anastasia Vanderbyl, Phoebe Lines, Yara Ueltshci, Julia Vanderbyl, Jasmine Pierce, Justin Fenwick, Zemira Whitehead, Jasmin Jefferys and Corinna Greenhill.
In February 2012 seven winning artworks were also installed at the Byron Regional Sport and Cultural Complex. The featured local young artists Julia Vanderbyl, Justin Fenwick, Jasmine Pierce and Christina Moody.