Now in its 22
nd year, the City of Subiaco’s prestigious Shaun Tan Award for Young Artists will open for entries on Monday 29 April.
Emerging young artists from schools across Western Australia are encouraged to unleash their creativity and imagination to create a unique piece of art to enter into the award.
Perth-born patron Shaun Tan – a renowned artist and Academy Award winner – described what the award means to him.
“The return to this award every year is like a refresher, reminding me not only what it is like to be a young artist, but also what it is to be a
real artist.
“What I mean is, someone who simply wishes strongly enough to express something visually that they are willing to put aside all other responsibilities and distractions – of which there are a ton every day – to do so with a pure heart and a singular purpose. Not for praise, grades, approval, prizes or cash; a trap for many of us adults, but for a pure love of drawing and painting, and most of all, discovering by doing. And finishing.”
Shaun’s advice to entrants is simple; “Finish your work. It’s the only way you’ll know if it’s good or not.”
Over the past two decades, the purpose of the Shaun Tan Award has remained consistent: to give young people a place to submit and showcase their work. The award has attracted some remarkable artwork over the years, which has been exhibited as part of the awards’ annual exhibition at Subiaco Library.
Building upon the success of the 2023 award’s workshop series, ‘Art in April’, the 2024 award will include another series of artist workshops during the April school holidays, where young artists can learn methods and techniques for creating art. These workshops will be held at the award’s home at Subiaco Library, and will also be made available digitally to engage regional schools and libraries across the state.
Of the 2024 award, Mayor David McMullen said, “It is a privilege for the City of Subiaco to once again nurture young Western Australian artists through our continued support of the Shaun Tan Award.
“This state-wide award always uncovers a wealth of talent and presents an opportunity to young artists no matter where they are based in WA. I look forward to seeing the fantastic artworks that will come in as part of this year’s award.”
ENTRIES
Western Australian school students in years one to twelve are invited to submit an original, two-dimensional visual art creation. Entries will be judged on technique, originality of concept, and choice of materials, by a panel of local artists, illustrators, and educators.
Finalists will be recognized at a presentation ceremony, where prizes will be awarded on behalf of the City of Subiaco and award sponsors. The top 50 artworks will be exhibited at Subiaco Library.
Entries open on Monday 29 April, 9.30am and close on Monday 20 May, 5.30pm. For more, visit www.subiaco.wa.gov.au/shauntanaward.