Rising stars on display at Arts Awards

Winners are grinners: Cr Thomas Prince, Cr Karen Corr, mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf and youth mayor Levity Camilleri with the prize recipients. Photo: SUPPLIED

UP and coming young creatives have been showcased at the City of Greater Bendigo’s RAW Arts Awards.

The Awards, which were first held in 1997, highlight and foster the talents and artistic pursuits of community members in the region 25 years of age and under, with the 2025 edition attracting over 100 applicants.

Winning and highly commended entries were recognised across four categories – visual arts (Geordie Williamson/Jorjiah Sjaardema), literature (Kayla Barnfield/Matilda Wilby), performing arts (Emma Gleeson/Matilda Wilby) and short film (Tilda Picken/Yasmin Russell).

Winners in each discipline received a $1500 cash prize while highly commended entrants received $500.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the awards and accompanying exhibition, which ran from Friday 6 June to Monday 9 June at Dudley House and featured around 70 works including painting, drawing, photography, textile and sculpture, provided a “wonderful opportunity” for young talent in the region to present their work.

“The RAW Arts Awards is such a special event in the calendar and a chance for young people to present their work to a wider audience, and gain the recognition they deserve,” she said.

“I’m so pleased that the program is a stepping stone for many flourishing creatives and helps to foster their talents and artistic pursuits.

“We’re so lucky to have these young aspiring creatives right here in Greater Bendigo, and I congratulate all of the winners and those who have contributed to RAW this year and shared their talent, imagination and stories.”