Executive Manager, Regional Activation – Projects Christine Priest, ERA Communications and Engagement Officer Brittany Hefren and Mayor Councillor Dallas Tout judging the artworks.
WINNER WINNER: Executive Manager, Regional Activation – Projects Christine Priest, ERA Communications and Engagement Officer Brittany Hefren and Mayor Councillor Dallas Tout found it difficult to choose a winner from 450 entries.
Community

Winners announced for Wagga Wagga 2050 Art Competition

Published: 03 May 2024 10:43am

This week Council met with local representatives to judge the many colourful artworks submitted as part of the Wagga Wagga 2050 Art Competition.

The judging panel included Council’s Executive Manager Regional Activation (Projects) Christine Priest, Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout and Eastern Riverina Arts (ERA) Communications and Engagement Officer Brittany Hefren.

Community members of all ages were invited to submit artwork showcasing their love for the city. This initiative was part of the Council's efforts to develop the Wagga Wagga 2050 Community Strategic Plan, which outlines the long-term vision for our local government area.

Ms Priest remarked that it was challenging to choose just a handful of winners when around 450 entries were submitted from our community.

“It was really hard to award prizes because there were so many creative and vibrant entries,” she said.

“We are grateful to every person who submitted an artwork, and to the many schools that got involved in the initiative. It’s truly special to be able to celebrate our home and community in this way.”

Communications & Engagement Officer from ERA, Brittany Hefren noted that there were clear icons and local favourites to be seen amongst the many artworks.

“From picturesque sunsets to local nature reserves, the bowling alley to the Civic Theatre stage, Wagga Wagga is filled with well-loved spaces and stories,” Ms Hefren said.

“It’s clear there is lots to love about our city and surrounds; however, I also appreciated the many illustrations of family, culture, heritage, and community.

“We have a great deal of talent within our community and the success of this competition has shown that there is a lot of local pride to be seen in Wagga Wagga.”

First, second, and third prizes were given across the five age categories with a ‘highly commended’ awarded to two runners up of the 18 years and over age group. The winners for each category were announced on Friday 3 May 2024:

5 years and under: 

  1. Murrumbidgee River by Clarence
  2. I Love Wagga Art Entry by Xander
  3. Walking my dog by Charlotte

6-9 years:

  1. My dance concert at the Civic theatre by Ella
  2. Vortex & The Oasis by Evie
  3. Oura by Tasman

10-13 years:

  1. Wagga Equals Family by India
  2. Soccer Ball Talking by Meleah
  3. WE ARE ONE by Sienna

14-17 years:

  1. A beautiful sight by Ariba

1st place artwork for 14-17 years.
A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT: 'A Beautiful Sight' by Ariba

18 years and over:

  1. Skies over Wagga by Maggie Deall
  2. Canola field by Gig Azar
  3. Celebrating Wagga Wagga’s Inclusive Heartbeat by Marie Helyar

‘Highly Commended’ prizes were also awarded to the artwork Big Murray by Em Shannon, and artwork Round the Hill – Writer's Cottage by Karen Wash.

You can view a selection of the entries which are displayed at the Civic Centre on the arcade display board, or you see all of them online at haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/csp2050

There are several ways for residents to still get involved in providing feedback for the 2050 Community Strategic Plan. You can fill out the online survey, submit what you love about Wagga Wagga on our Have Your Say page, or chat to a staff member via email at council@wagga.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1300 292 442.