A curated selection of artworks by HSC Visual Arts students from the 21 secondary schools across Sydney’s Northern Beaches supports the creativity of local emerging arts talent.

The exhibition features a broad range of expressive artforms that explore the contemporary themes which are of importance to young people today. The exhibition also includes a mentorship program focused on supporting their transition to emerging professional creative practices.

The participating schools are;

This exhibition has been a part of MAG&M’s program since 1995, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to connecting with secondary schools across the region and to supporting visual arts education.

Presented in partnership with the Theo Batten Trust and MAG&M Society, the program has provided Youth Art Awards to aspiring artists for 31 years. The Theo Batten Youth Art Award is offered to students pursuing studies in the visual arts or a related area (such as architecture, design, art education, music, performing arts, filmmaking, digital media etc) commencing in the year 2025. Theo Batten (1918-2003) was a well-respected local artist and journalist who studied at the National Art School and won a Walkley Award in 1972. He was a member of the Manly Art Gallery & Museum Society and a member of the former Peninsula Art Society, and wanted to leave behind an opportunity for young creative people to continue their studies in the visual arts.

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