Showcasing the next gen of creative talent

THE Art Gallery of Ballarat’s annual Next Gen exhibition has opened at the new Backspace Gallery.

Next Gen 2025 showcases some of the best work created by Victorian Certificate of Education students from state, Catholic and independent schools across Ballarat and South West Victoria in 2024.

This year, the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s panel of selectors chose 31 artworks by 30 artists from more than 100 applications.

The work represented is by students who have just completed VCE studies in Art Creative Practice; Art Making and Exhibiting; Media; Visual Communication Design; Product Design and Technology; and students who have created design or art projects as part of the VCE Vocational Major.

The judges, including local artists Patrick Duffy and Jessica Schroeder along with LCI Melbourne campus director Adriano Di Prato, selected three award-winning works.

The Award for Creativity went to Amy Conroy (Loreto College Ballarat) for Women through scarlet lenses; the Award for Innovation went to Wilby Fredericks (Woodmans Hill Secondary College) for Nunatak; and the Award for Excellence went to Bethany Allan (Mount Clear College) for Misperception.

The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s panel of selectors, along with the judging panel, found this year’s work to be mature, forward-thinking and evocative.

They congratulated the winners and every student who was selected to show artwork in Next Gen 2025.

Art Gallery of Ballarat Director Louise Tegart said the exhibition highlighted the enormous amount of talent, curiosity and creativity in the region’s students.

“Next Gen 2025 showcases the remarkable skill of young artists who are beginning their career,” she said.

“We are thrilled to deliver this exhibition at our new Backspace Gallery – a dedicated space for early-career artists to build their creative and professional practice.

“Ballarat has a thriving arts community which is a result of early education provided by teachers who nurture skill and passion.

“We are happy to play a role in celebrating arts education and Next Gen provides a strong foundation for visual arts careers.”

Next Gen 2025 will be on display at 43 Mair Street until 11 May. It’s open seven days, 10am to 5pm.