Stronger Together online art exhibition

Stronger Together online art exhibition showcases talent and perseverance of young artists.

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Launching on Tuesday 16 November, a new online art exhibition featuring more than 100 artworks created by 25 young artists facing a range of life challenges will be on display. Virtual visitors can discover, enjoy and buy the artworks created by the young emerging artists at a curated online gallery from the comfort of their own home, with proceeds going directly to the student artists.

In a first for Mission Australia’s Creative Youth Initiative Artworks! program which is based in Sydney’s Surry Hills, the Stronger Together exhibition will showcase the work of young graduates in a virtual gallery.

Creative Youth Initiative is a holistic service that offers young people aged 16-25 the opportunity to engage in TAFE accredited creative programs while receiving tailored social support.

The program moved to online teaching during the pandemic and has provided students with a creative outlet while dealing with a range of unique challenges, as well as the stress of lockdowns and the pandemic.

Over six to 12 months, the emerging young artists aged between 16 and 25 met online to create drawings, paintings, screen-printings and a variety of sculptures using various creative techniques.

While studying through the TAFE accredited visual arts program and creating artworks with the guidance of a qualified visual arts teacher, the students also received tailored support from a youth worker to address personal challenges such as homelessness, mental health concerns, substance misuse, social isolation, bullying, family breakdown and unemployment.

Mission Australia Program Manager, Diana Jazic says the exhibition is a celebration of the artworks and the resilience of the young people that created them.

“These young people are dealing with their everyday challenges, overcoming personal issues and the stress and uncertainty of lockdowns and the pandemic. They have excelled in the program and helped prepare themselves for a positive future, embracing the process of experimenting with a collection of concepts and mediums to create stunning and evocative artworks.

“Their unique talent, hope and the healing journey are captured in each creation.

“The online exhibition and shop allows for people to immerse themselves in each young artist’s personal and creative journey and to purchase a one-off piece or collection for the home or as a gift for the art lovers in their lives. It’s a wonderful way to support that young artist and help them develop self-confidence and really nurture their sense of worth,” said Ms Jazic.

The Artworks! exhibition is an annual event that celebrates the students’ creative achievements and outcomes.

At Creative Youth Initiative, Mission Australia offers a program for young people to explore their creativity in a free, safe and supportive environment to assist healing past trauma and prepare them to make positive changes. The program aims to provide the young person the best chance to learn creative skills and learn how to address their social, emotional, physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing.

Young people accessing Artworks! or the Sounds of the Street music programs at Mission Australia Centre Surry Hills’ Creative Youth Initiative are referred from a range of services such as youth and community services, counsellors, juvenile justice, supported accommodation services, schools and TAFE. Young people can also refer themselves or can be referred by their families.

Exhibition opening: Tuesday 16 November 2021 Mission Australia : Shop