Raw talent recognised for creative capabilities

A clever cohort of emerging young creatives have been celebrated by the City of Greater Bendigo through its 2026 RAW Arts Awards across four categories – visual arts, literature, performing arts and short film.

Isabella Hocking was judged best in visual arts for her pencil on paper work Grumpy old Lady, while Clementine Gray was highly commended.

Yasmin Russell won the literature award and Grace Barter was highly commended, while Matilda Wilby and Zac Baumann finished first and second in the performing arts category.

In the short film category, Jordan Spencer finished on top and Sara Hancock was runner up.

Each category winner received $1500 in cash, while highly commended entrants received $500.

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the recent RAW Arts Awards evening and exhibition created a fantastic platform for young people across the region to share their creative work.

“RAW Arts Awards continues to be a highlight of the year, offering young artists an invaluable opportunity to showcase their talents to a broader audience and receive well-earned recognition,” he said.

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see how the program supports emerging creatives, helping them build confidence and further develop their artistic ambitions.

“We are fortunate to have such inspiring young talent here in Greater Bendigo, and I extend my congratulations to this year’s winners and everyone involved in RAW who has shared their creativity, ideas and stories.”

This year’s awards attracted more than 100 entries, with the average age of entrants just 17 years old.

The maximum age for entrants’ eligibility was 25.