Under the Young Artist In-Residence Program, Youth Action commissions a young artist 12 – 24 years of age to create an artwork for the cover of our annual report and other design elements. Youth Action is proud to highlight and support emerging artists across NSW.
2024 Concept Submissions are closed.
We are seeking concept submissions to co-design Youth Action’s 2024 Annual Report and additional design elements. The theme is on young people’s voice, with a focus on why it’s so important for young people’s voices to be included in decisions that directly impact them and their communities.
Please note that the artwork pieces will be used throughout the report and elements will be used for Youth Action’s branding for the year.
Submit your concept before Friday 3 May, 2024 11:59AEST. For any questions or more information, please contact Youth Action’s Communications Officer, Angelica Liem on angelica@youthaction.org.au
Artists not selected for this year’s open call will be added to our database with the potential to be commissioned throughout the year. Submitted artwork will not be used in anyway unless in an agreed contract between Youth Action and artist.
More information
- We are looking for young artists 12-24 years of age that are living in NSW.
- The selected artist will be commissioned for their work.
- We encourage you to look at Youth Action’s previous Annual Reports below for reference.
- Submit a concept sketch that responds to the theme of young people’s voice, with a focus on why it’s so important for young people’s voices to be included in decisions that directly impact them and their communities. Youth Action’s branding colours can be viewed here. Take a look at our socials to see how we have been using our branding. Think about how you could create a unique artwork that would complement this.
- The format of the report is A4. We will use your artwork for the front cover but we will also take elements of the artwork to use throughout the annual report, on our website, socials and templates throughout the coming year.
- We are looking for artworks submitted as a digital file. We will be preferencing digital submissions using Illustrator.
- Your submission should include your biography max 200 words, and your artist statement max 200 words that tells the story of how you used the theme in your artwork.
Instructions for submitting
- Put your artwork/s into a folder (Your concept submission should be saved in JPG sRGB). Include your biography 200 words max (include your name, email address and phone number), and a 200 word max artist’s statement that tells the story of how you used the theme in your artwork).
- Upload the files to the form below.
- Submit your concept before Friday 3 May, 2024 11:59AEST.
For any questions about the brief please contact Youth Action’s Communications Officer, Angelica Liem at angelica@youthaction.org.au
Submissions that are not successful this time will be added to our database of artist’s for future commissions. Artwork that is submitted will not be used in anyway unless in an agreed contract between Youth Action and artist.
2023
To speak up against authorities.
Artist Statement | Jennie Zhu
TO SPEAK UP AGAINST AUTHORITIES: As a contribution to this year’s Annual Report, I created a canvas that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of young individuals and the unwavering determination to push their voices and opinions out there, representing the resilient voices of the youth and the obstacles and surprises that will have to be overcome. The artwork takes inspiration from the dynamic selection of Youth Action’s signature colours: purple and sub-ranges of pink and blue. The hues of purple embody the strength and courage of individuals who are standing up to shape their futures, while pink and blue underscores the warmth and care that the community extends to nurture their dreams. The focal point of the artwork is the collection of vibrant speech bubbles from the microphones that float strikingly across the canvas. These speech bubbles stand as visual metaphors for the powerful voices of the youth, voices that deserve to be heard, acknowledged, and celebrated. In a deliberate choice, these speech bubbles feature an inverted colour scheme—neon aqua hues against a mostly purple background. This inversion serves as a representation of the transformative process that occurs when young voices are uplifted and empowered. The traditional norms are upturned, and the youth emerge as agents of change, driving conversations and shaping narratives. This is such a world where young individuals are often marginalised, their voices sidelined. I represented the obstacles facing and opposing them through the person in the suit, seemingly larger than then buildings. I also represented the young voices through the girl standing front and centre, facing the towering, suited giant, with many buildings and motifs to speak up, portraying the many organisations, just like Youth Action, supporting the youth and the importance of including them in dialogues that directly affect their lives and communities. The energetic and vibrant colours reflect the vitality and enthusiasm that young people bring to every endeavour. By ensuring their voices are integral to conversations about policies, services, and societal changes, we embrace a future that is truly inclusive and reflective of their needs, aspirations, and dreams. I hope that this cover serves as a visual call to action, a reminder that every hue of colour represents a story, a dream, a potential change-maker. In the coming years, may the youth’s voices resonate louder, their presence felt more profoundly, and their impact ripple through communities far and wide. Through unity and empowerment, we create a world where every voice matters, and every young individual finds the support they need to flourish.
Artist Bio | Jennie Zhu
I am a Chinese-Australian student and artist located in Sydney Australia. Growing up, I was always curious about colours when I travel around Asia with my parents. As I grew older, my once stubby fingers also grew enough to play with the playdough and crayons my grandmother bought me. I drew and sculpted many different things based on my surroundings; the shows I watched, the people around me or the things I saw. I continued to grow, physically and mentally, becoming more conscious of the world, past the brightly coloured bubble of my childhood. Gradually I left the bubble, straight into the view of global issues, mainly involving those that involved me – the youth. I found myself taking art more seriously – I still incorporated aspects of my surroundings; the people, the shows, the issues. However, this time around, my surroundings were much different from the ones I used to know. I believe art should convey some sort of idea or feeling relative to the artist themselves, and the topics revolving around their life. I work with mostly acrylic, oil and digital art to convey my ideas into reality.
2021
To Be Seen and Not Heard.
Artist Statement | Sarah R Muir
TO BE SEEN AND NOT HEARD: This digital artwork was created as a response to the theme ‘Youth Voice’ and its juxtaposition to my first thought- a phrase that echoes through my childhood; ‘Children are to be seen and not heard’. From a young age, youth are rewarded for obedience, compliance and group-oriented mentality, and there is a heavy expectation applied by senior generations to remain silent and conform to society – to not take action against injustices we experience or witness on issues that affect us. As a response to this phrase and misguided ideology, I wanted my artwork to be seen. I drew it with the intention of a striking, bold appearance and placed emphasis on the gaze of the young person I depicted, using high contrast to build tension and trap my audience in their eyes. I was also very concerned with trying to develop an inclusive portrait- one that I hope most youth can see themselves energetically reflected in, regardless of ethnicity and gender-identity, inspiring action. I drew the portrait with lips parted and half illuminated because I feel it is organisations such as Youth Action that allow youth agency and give us those moments to recollect ourselves before reconnecting with our voices and stepping into a spotlight among the chorus of problems and beliefs.
Artist Bio | Sarah R Muir
I am a Sydney-based Israeli-Australian artist and student currently practicing and refining my work in Chatswood NSW. Growing up, I developed a love of portraiture through a fascination with the multicultural and colourful identities of people I saw online, using the internet to learn about foreign cultures, human experiences and inform myself on global human rights issues. At ten years of age, I started to saturate myself in the arts and other artists, and now am under the belief that the practice of art within itself is a raw and entirely human, unique experience. I have found that there are recurring themes of queer theory, religion, climate change, animal rights and feminist ideology present in my art. I predominantly work in oil painting, drawing, digital art and printmaking.
2019
Artist Statement | Jessie Waratah Simon – Fitzpatrick
SEED DREAMING: For thousands of years Aboriginal people have used fire farming to care for Country, by burning off the old to create space for the new. I first conceptualised this piece whilst Australia was experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons. My work explores how the damage can also lead to new beginnings. The almond shaped seeds spring to life after the land has been scorched, bringing rejuvenation and transformative change across the landscape.
Artist Bio | Jessie Waratah Simon – Fitzpatrick
My painting style is strongly influenced by my Warlpiri family, bold colour and vivid movement. I was born and raised in Sydney’s Inner West and identify as an original Australian. My family was claimed by the respected Warlpiri Elder, R. Granites Japanangka, who sadly passed away in 2018. ‘At the age of three!’ my father says, he, my aunties and grandmothers began passing down their knowledge and techniques of art making according to my skin Napurrula, and shared with me their own depictions of the Tjukurrpa (Dreaming). Someday I hope to know my original family’s story from North West NSW, as well as my Chinese, Pakistani, Danish, Irish, Welsh, English and convict ancestors. Warlpiri law women sang for me to be conceived and knew where I fit into their family before I was born, knowing this draws me strength. My mother dreamed of me and my father and grandfather called me from the stars. I have strived to learn from and honour all who have taught and continue to teach me and to give back whenever I can to my community.
youthaction.org.au 