Celebrating the power of young voices and artistic expression, the Youth Art Prize (YAP) invites creatives aged 12-25 to share their vision and talent.

This is more than a competition - it's a collective celebration of youth, connection, and creativity through the arts.

Open to ages 12 to 25 years who live, work or study in East Gippsland.

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The following categories and age groupings:

• Digital Media/Photography/Film
• Visual Arts - Painting/Drawing
• Physical 3D Works
• First Nations
• Collaborative Piece
• Judge's Choice
• People's Choice

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Ages

• 12-15 years
• 16-20 years
• 21-25 years        

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Assessment criteria:

• Presentation:  how well you present your artwork submission.
• Description of work and creative process.
• Technical skill displayed by artist.
• Artists are free to choose their genre or medium, and entry is free.
• All entries must be original works and there is a limit of one entry, per category.
• Entrants may enter multiple categories.

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‍Prizes include:

• 1st prize: $250
• People's choice: $250
• Collaborative piece: $250 (shared)
• Overall Judge's choice: $500  

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Key Dates:

• Entries open: 25 March 2026
• Entries close: 7 August 2026 at 5pm - via Smarty Grants.
• Exhibition launch: 20 August 2026 - 5.00pm- The Forge Theatre, Bairnsdale.

What are children and young people's rights?

• Regardless of your age, everyone deserves fair treatment, but young people are often vulnerable to discrimination and harassment. In Victoria, it’s against the law for people to treat you unfairly or bully you because of your age.
• Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities recognises that children have the same rights as adults with added protection according to their best interests.
• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) describes what children and young people should be able to expect, no matter where they live.
• Some of these rights include the right to be safe, the right to go to school, the right to have enough food and water, and the right to have a say in things that affect them.

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Why are these rights important?

• These rights are important because they help make sure that all children and young people can grow up happy, healthy and safe. They help to protect us and make sure we are treated fairly.
• Understanding our rights helps us to know when something isn't right and gives us the confidence to speak up and ask for help if we need it.

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Feeling safe in your environment

• Feeling safe means feeling comfortable and secure in your surroundings, whether it's at home, at school, or in your community.
• When you feel safe, you can focus better on learning, playing, and enjoying life. Feeling safe also means being free from things like bullying, violence, or abuse.
• It's important to talk to someone you trust if you ever feel unsafe or if something is bothering you. This could be a parent, a teacher, a counsellor, or another trusted adult.

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How can we support each other's safety?

• We can support each other's safety by being kind, respectful and looking out for one another.
• If we see someone being bullied or treated unfairly, we can speak up and stand by them. We can also report any unsafe situations to adults who can help.
• Remember, feeling safe is everyone's right, and we all have a role in helping to make sure it happens for ourselves and others.

By understanding their rights and the importance of feeling safe, young teenagers can become empowered to advocate for themselves and others, creating a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.

The Gippsland Youth Services Directory includes information and contact details for services and organisations that support young people and families across Gippsland.

Visit the Youth Services Directory website.

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Useful Links

• ‍Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission‍
• Sexual Health & Wellbeing Services‍
• Family Violence‍

Children and young people leading healthier communities

We have partnered with VicHealth on a three-year project to strengthen the creation of a community where children and young people are able to grow up active, healthy and socially connected.

Out of the 16 fast-tracked local government areas included in the partnership, East Gippsland’s approach will focus on a coordinated and collaborative approach dedicated to children young people’s health and wellbeing.

Communities in East Gippsland have been hard hit by drought and bushfire in recent years.

East Gippsland Shire Council is using a place-based approach to build on the strengths and networks present in communities, with the ultimate aim of supporting children and young people to have a seat at the decision-making table to lead the planning and design of healthier communities.

Under 25s represent approximately a quarter of East Gippsland's population and face several barriers to leading healthy lifestyles.

The VicHealth partnership will build Council's capacity to work closely with local children and young people to understand, identify and prioritise actions that will drive change to generate improved system outcomes in the areas they have identified - including food systems, physical activity and social connection.

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What are we doing?

We will be working with children and young people aged 5-25.

A working group has been established to increase the reach and effectively utilise strengths. It comprises our staff and external partners who work with and have a direct interest in supporting young people.

Deakin University has delivered systems thinking training as a core module of the project, which builds on previous systems thinking education.

This training will also strengthen and develop capacity within Council and external partners to:

• Authentically and meaningfully engage with children and young people
• Use a systems approach to guide development, and prioritise and implement actions identified by children and young people

Stage One of the project involves workshops with young people to better understand the barriers they face and determine their priorities and potential solutions.

The following stages will involve working with children and young people to lead projects and actions based on the findings and previous work that has been done in this area.

A series of evidence-based health promotion modules will be available to support Council to implement action at the local level to create healthier communities for children and young people.  

The VicHealth Local Government Partnership health promotion modules will provide guidance to create policies, programs and processes for lasting changes in our community. The modules will support implementation and action following the workshops.

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Where can I learn more about the project?

To learn more about the partnership project with VicHealth, visit the VicHealth website.

View the VicHealth health promotion modules.

If you would like to be involved, contact us.

Kids Co- Design Healthy Places (KCFHP)

Kids live, learn and play in the places councils look after. By including them in the design process you can build healthier futures together.

KCDHP supports local councils and community organisations to engage kids in the process of co-design.

For more information and resources, visit kidscodesigninghealthyplaces.com.au.