Creative ATSI youth encouraged to ‘own it’

by | Apr 20, 2011 | Media Releases

Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have until April 30 to enter an online competition celebrating artistic expression.

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt is encouraging young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, aged 12 – 25, to enter the competition, with prizes valued up to $1500 per entry.

“We have so many talented young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland who are using so many different kinds of technology to express themselves. I encourage them to enter the competition in any artistic medium – from songs, to photographs, to drawings,” Mr Pitt said.

“We are hoping young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will adhere to the competitions theme ‘own it’, and explore issues like body image, depression, drugs or alcohol and their affects on the community or social issues like homelessness, bullying or peer pressure.”

“Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have unique stories to tell and this competition allows people with all kinds of artistic interests to participate.”

Entries in previous years have addressed challenging issues such as youth homelessness, drugs and alcohol, mental health, body image, violence and peer pressure, as well as concerns about the environment and the difficulties of growing up in today’s society.

“We’re eager to hear the thoughts, feelings and opinions of youth from across the state about issues that are important to them,” Mr Pitt said.

“The level of creativity in past years has been exceptional and the young entrants can participate in any medium they choose, including still photography, video, animation, music or written word.” 

Prizes include:

  • two junior (12-17 years) and two senior (18-25 years) prizes to the value of $1500
  • a People’s Choice Award to the value of $500
  • a school prize worth $1,500
  • 50 random draw prizes worth $50 each.

Entries close 5pm, 31 May 2011. All entries will be displayed on www.youth.qld.gov.au and website visitors can provide their feedback on the entries and the issues they raise.