Youth invited to 'Create Your Headspace' with new street art project

Published on 21 June 2022

The region's young creatives will soon have the chance to unleash their artistic flair and compete to have their designs come to life as public street art.

Funded by the Queensland Government's Mental Health and Wellbeing Package, Create Your Headspace! aims to demonstrate the importance of art in the public realm, and its impact on mental wellness, while helping to break down the stigma of mental health in our youth.

Participants, either individually or as a group, are encouraged to submit a design that can be publicly replicated and displayed as a form of street art that addresses the theme 'How are public arts and culture important to your mental wellbeing?’

Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Kaye Maguire said Create Your Headspace! provided an opportunity for our youth to demonstrate their talent, while also encouraging important discussions about mental health.

“Our young people are the future of our region, and Council is proud to be able to provide this opportunity for aspiring artists to show their skills and share their experiences," she said.

"Three winners will be selected to have their designs reproduced into street art in their hometown. Winners will also be profiled in a short video, as well as receiving cash prizes."

"What's more, all suitable entries will be showcased in a virtual gallery on the Western Downs Arts website."

"Not only is it a fantastic opportunity for our winners to have their artwork bought to life, but it's a great talking point in those communities to help start a dialogue about mental wellbeing."

"We know there are many talented young artists around the region with big ideas, so I encourage them to get their submissions in!"

Create Your Headspace! is open to those aged 13 to 18 years who live, work or study in the Western Downs.

Entries open Monday 20 June and close Monday 12 September 2022.

Entries must be submitted through the Western Downs Arts website at www.westerndownsarts.com.au/street-art

  For more information, contact Council on 1300 268 624 (COUNCIL) or visit the website.

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