WHAT ideas and visuals does the phrase \u2018beautiful Ballarat\u2019 spark within you?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the theme of the 2021 Ballarat Children\u2019s Art Award, and coordinator Margie Balazic said it has been designed to uplift the city, and spotlight its \u201cspecial qualities.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the eyes of the children, what do they see as Ballarat\u2019s true beauty? Students are asked to illustrate what makes Ballarat special,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would like them to showcase Ballarat\u2019s treasures; capture the essence of Ballarat, find the spirit of the land, look at our architecture, our people, our history, our future… We\u2019re asking the children how they view Ballarat, whether in the past, present or future.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe future of Ballarat is within our amazing children, so these visions are important.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Balazic said the challenges of 2020 and 2021 have reminded residents young and old of how fortunate they are to live in regional Victoria. The Award is an opportunity to find out more about this place.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope families explore Ballarat in ways they never done before, see its natural characteristics, our architecture, or discover a story from the past. Research, live and embrace Ballarat.<\/p>\n
\u201cAppreciate our own surrounds… discover our environment, our local history, or create a wonderful future,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a mother, I believe enticing stories and exploration is beneficial for the mind. Art delights, it creates self-expression and purpose. We need our children to dream, explore and design. Our designers are the new innovative thinkers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Budding artists around town, including friends like five-year-old Lyla and six-year-old Sadie, have already started to brainstorm their beautiful Ballarat ideas, loving the chance to get experimental and \u201cmessy.\u201d<\/p>\n
They\u2019re inspired by the city\u2019s green spaces, like the Botanical Gardens, Lake Wendouree, and the animals that live in that precinct, including swans and insects.<\/p>\n
The Ballarat Children\u2019s Art award was founded in 2014 as part of DanaFest, multicultural event at Dana Street Primary School, and has received 10,000 illustrations in the years since.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was designed to bring the community together by showcasing individual abilities, discovering unique differences, and making art accessible for everyone to achieve,\u201d Ms Balazic said.<\/p>\n
Since 2015, Ms Balazic and Katherine Meerman have coordinated the competition, which grows annually.<\/p>\n
McGrath Ballarat is the 2021 sponsor, providing pens and certificates for all students involved, and the winning prizes. General Plastic Ballarat are providing trophies.<\/p>\n
Jessica Nestor of McGrath Ballarat said an album on agency\u2019s Facebook page will showcase some of the artworks received.<\/p>\n
“This wonderful local initiative promotes imagination and creativity amongst our children of Ballarat. It was a no-brainer for McGrath Ballarat to jump on board again, and up our commitment,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith many young children in our greater McGrath Ballarat family, we just can\u2019t wait to see kids\u2019 excitement and pride as they come through the door to present their hard work.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are so honoured to be the main sponsors. Margie and Katherine have worked so hard to bring this to life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Categories include kindergarten, prep, Grade 1 to 2, three to four, five to six, Year 7 to 8, nine to 10, and 11 to 12.<\/p>\n
Children and teens from wider Ballarat may enter one artwork on A4 paper using any media, except 3D art. Do not write a name on the artwork as it will be judged blindly.<\/p>\n
Deliver the artwork and the separate entry form together in one A4 plastic sleeve to McGrath Ballarat, 805 Sturt Street, Ballarat by Friday, 3 September.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cannot wait to see Ballarat flourishing in colour,\u201d Ms Balazic said.<\/p>\n