Grants & Awards

1st Place

Emma, Yr 10
Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College, NSW

My artwork, threads of hope, represents how unity and compassion can help support anyone who is experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges. The thread that continues through different people’s experiences connects acts of kindness displaying that even small acts can make a difference in someones life. In the middle of the page there is someone experiencing homelessness and someone extends a helping hand symbolising dignity and inclusion. My artwork communicates that when people come together they create positive change and contribute to the building of a stronger more connected community.

Equal 2nd Place

Kate, Yr 10
Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College, NSW

My artwork depicts a simple act of kindness to help a homeless person. I decided to draw with a ballpoint pen on cardboard, as I was inspired by the many cardboard signs that I see with people who are experiencing homelessness. My drawing shows the simple act of kindness, which is getting a coffee for someone. I wanted to draw this because I believe that you don’t have to make a big gesture or provide someone with money or presents to build unity, but carry out simple acts that let people know that you care and are there for them.

Equal 2nd Place

Nidhi, Yr 12
Mac Robertson Girls High School, VIC

My artwork explores how art can create unity by encouraging and eliciting empathy towards people affected by conflict. I incorporated newspaper fragments reporting on Middle Eastern conflicts to represent how suffering can become reduced to headlines, blunt statistics and obfuscating words on paper. In contrast, the girl’s piercing, wide, alert eyes confront the viewer, emphasising that behind these stories are real people whose lives are being affected. Her partially obscured face reflects how individuals can become lost within larger conflict narratives White weaving flowers symbolise hope and solidarity. Through combining these elements, I hope to reunite viewers with the humanity behind the news. Geographical difference is all there is. “Don’t just read about me. See me.”

Equal 3rd Place

Angelina, Yr 8
The University High School, VIC

This was a poor neighbourhood. From young students to elderly locals, people lived behind the same walls yet barely spoke due to indifference. One day, I grabbed my brush and started a mural. I invited everyone to draw freely, with no restrictions. In hindsight, that was a bad idea. A boy painted the map of his country, then someone protested there was no space for other cultures. An old lady said it should show the neighbourhood’s history and drew her chihuahua. Everyone wanted their ideas to be at the centre. The wall looked disjointed, just like its creators. While painting together, people began talking. This old neighbourhood may seem poor, but its people’s joy is rich. The wall is now a canvas for stories, with spaces left open for new people, cultures and memories to join.

Equal 3rd Place

Estelle, Yr 10
Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College

My artwork, “The Lion and the Lamb,” represents unity through the contrast of a powerful lion and innocent lamb resting against one another. The lamb is biblically presented with innocence, purity and sacrifice. The lamb represents Jesus, the Lamb of God. “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29, stated by John the Baptist. The lamb is snuggled against a Lion, seen in scripture as a powerful figure, often compared to the devil. 1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” My artwork represents unity as it spotlights two contrasting powers coming together in peace.