Young
Creatives

Kayla Amos is a ceramic artist based in Bourke, NSW. In 2019 she graduated from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours. Kayla has exhibited in group exhibitions since 2016, most recently, at Wayout Artspace in Kandos, NSW, from December 2022 to January 2023.
Expanding her creative output, Kayla has held pottery workshops within the Bourke and Brewarrina Shire Councils since 2020. She is also involved in her local art community, operating the kiln for the Bourke Ceramic Centre, and holding the position of Secretary for 2024 in the Bourke Arts Community Inc. (BACI) group.
In 2020, she also began working towards her own ceramics business, New Hope Studios, which she officially launched to the public in 2023 with the release of her website and online shop. Influenced by the outback Australian landscape in which she lives and works, Kayla uses aspects of the landscape to communicate concepts and reflect upon experiences that have personally and emotionally impacted her. Having grown up in Bourke, her work also expresses a wider glimpse of life in the outback and aims to highlight and further encourage attitudes of resilience and hope.

Georgia Barton is a regional emerging artist based in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. Her work takes on multiple forms including visual arts and performance. Her medium and where her passions are; is primarily graphite on paper, with some experimental use of colour and paints such as oil and acrylic. Growing up on a farm in rural NSW, Georgia’s work is influenced by the love she has for animals, nature and landscape, as well as pieces of her childhood and the rural landscape that she grew up on.

In her time living regionally alongside developing her visual arts practice, Georgia has also obtained a Bachelor of Stage and Screen for Acting – an area of creative practice where her dedication is also found. Her interest is largely in contemporary theatre, and Australian film and television. Georgia holds a rawness within her work both in performance and on paper, and enjoys capturing life, the things within it, and its stories in their vulnerable and truest form.

My name is Tywana Caldwell, I am a Bundjalung women, born and breed on Widjabal Wiabal country in Lismore. I am also known as Nunja in my local community with means happy in Bundjalung language. My art is inspired by my surroundings family, homelands and feeling, my art is my way of story telling and brings my connection to culture and country alive.

Lorenna Caron (b. 1999, Paris) is an emerging artist living in regional NSW. Combining her background of drawing, painting and printmaking with the three-dimensionality of found object and installation, Caron examines concepts of language, truth and subconsciousness through her practice. Influenced heavily by surrealism and Freudian theory of automatism, her artwork unfolds in the margins of conscious thought and subconscious feeling. Automatic writing and mark-making converge to produce semi-legible spaces of text and image, paying aesthetic homage to the graffiti of the everyday urban environments she occupies.

These margins of consciousness extend beyond the artwork’s content, with Caron’s attention directed to the physical margins of the surfaces she works on. Her engagement with the multi-dimensional aspects of ‘art-space’ recognise the potential for limitless self-expression within every object as vessel.
Lorenna studied Printmaking and Drawing at the Australian National University School of Art and Design, graduating with a Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2023. Caron embraces the indulgent senselessness of art making in her life and practice.

I am a full time artist mainly focusing on painting landscapes and the occasional portrait but also using my painting techniques to create digital art and virtual reality environments.

I am not interested in using art as a vehicle for political or activist purposes but make art for art’s sake (and to make a living). I hope other people enjoy looking at my art as much as I enjoy making it.

I work from my studio/family-home in the bush near Gundaroo about 40km from Canberra and most of my paintings draw inspiration from the surrounding countryside. Most of my oil paintings are based on photos I have taken but much of the digital and VR is based on imagined creatures and environments.

I completed an honours degree in visual arts at the Australian National University and my major work involved researching and developing virtual reality environments with a painterly style, particularly focused on the horror genre.

I love art galleries, movies and computer games and they have undoubtedly influenced my work.

I am a print maker and illustrator, I primarily work in pencil, ballpoint pen and digital art. In my print practice I work mostly in etching and Lino print.

My dreams for long term is to live off my artworks without putting extra stress on my body and mind by working a 9-5 for 50 years, another goal of mine is for my artworks to amaze my audience with detail and complexity.
At this very moment i am always working on my artwork if I have time as I am in year 12 high school, part time job and play soccer which means my time is limited but I strive for my passion of arts and don’t waste a single minute of my day not being productive towards work, soccer, school, art.
for me i don’t like to sugarcoat/ lie about my beliefs and i am very open about the meaning behind my work which is that I was brought up to draw what I see such as realism drawings which is what I do, I don’t like to complicate my artworks with exterior problems such as sadness, anger or happy as this can affect my overall outcome of the art piece, and can cause me to see doing these practices as a chore/task instead of a passion

Scout McKenzie is a young artist whose work is a blend of imagination and emotion. Born and raised in a small, rural town Deniliquin, they’ve found inspiration in the peaceful backdrop of their rice farm.

Scout has found inspiration from a myriad of places – from favourite songs to observations of their family life – they infuse their work with a sense of wonder and introspection.
Each representation of different forms and figures serves as a window into their innermost thoughts and considerations, inviting viewers to embark on an odyssey of discovery and contemplation.

Scout’s artistic repertoire is as diverse as it is evocative, ranging from classic portraits made in pencil, to experimental penwork, and an interest in clothes design and music.
Through their art, they aim to provoke thought, stir emotion, and forge connections that aren’t limited by one specific medium.

As Scout continues to evolve as an artist, they remain committed to pushing the boundaries of their craft and imagination. With each new creation, Scout invites the world to share in their journey, and see through their eyes.

Immersed in the world of acrylic and oil paints, Lilli Rose is an artist who delves into the styles of realism and surrealism. She explores where the tangible and the intangible converge in captivating feelings. Inspired by the invisible threads that bind us in our daily lives, Lilli uses these subtle connections to create her work. Her talent has been recognized, and a win at a local art exhibition (Plethora Of Postcards) where her work claimed the youth award. Currently embarking on a new chapter in her artistic journey, Lilli has recently ventured into the world of graphic design, further expanding her creative horizons, she has created posters for a local Roller Disco that was ran through headspace. As Lilli continues to create she is committed to paving her way into the art world, exploring and defining her own style as she goes.

Emily Smallmon is an Young inspiring artist known for her unique approach to Aboriginal dot painting. With a modern twist, she infuses vibrant colours—blues, whites, greens, and a splash of yellow—into her intricate works. Inspired by her nan and guided by the renowned artist Mary Morris, as well as uncle Richie Lawton, Emily’s art reflects a deep connection to her cultural heritage.

Emily’s talent has not gone unnoticed. She has been commissioned to create murals for her school and the local youth centre in Scone, New South Wales. As a high school student, she continues to explore and celebrate the rich artistic traditions of her community.

I work primarily in pencil, acrylic paint and I also have been experimenting with engraving into glass. My art conveys the beauty that nature brings with realistic and semi realistic artwork. I live and work in and area called Stanhope.

Brailey is a young Wiradjuri/Ngemba woman that works with acrylic paints to create Contemporary Indigenous Art. She started painting part-time as a hobby that has allowed her to escape the pressures of life and connect to her culture as well as find her feet in the arts industry working as an Engagement Officer for Outback Arts and participating in the ARAA Unique Identities project in 2024. Brailey’s work is an equal balance between aesthetic and meaningful – she uses Indigenous symbols and patterns on her canvas paintings to tell stories while using a complementary palette that would present beautifully in any situation.

Jaya Lyons otherwise known by Jaya Liron, was born in Tweed Heads and raised primarily in Port Macquarie. Jaya has had almost 9 years of digital art experience and has a great admiration for all things art, experienced with a large variety of mediums but sculpture has always drawn most attention. Her priority is to create and be paid for it, aiming to be able to subcontract and work on movie set props and puppets and additionally harness 3d modelling skills. Jaya has worked under the art council and Headspace to provide curated art workshops and artwork for the 2023 Youth week Pineapple week. Attending cosplay events in 2022, Jaya came first in craftsmanship in both the events held at Wauchope and Port Macquarie. She additionally won the Hastings Secondary College “Artwork of the Year 2022” and was featured in the PortNews article for the Wauchope Cosplay Festival 2022. Jayas current projects of 2024 consist of commissioned work and making life size sculptures of popular anime characters which will then be auctioned and sold to her audience.

During this program I intend to use this opportunity to progress my skills through exploring new techniques and improving my current ones. One day I wish to create a small business so I not only can express myself but also share it with the world while making an income off of something I love doing.

I had the privilege to exhibit and enter a competition in 2023 near where I live. I had entered two pieces of art, a portrait of my friend and a landscape painting I had done for my mum. The portrait had been picked for first place and had remained displayed for a month in the outback arts gallery.
I am currently still in high school luckily it’s my last year however as I am doing art as a HSC subject I am currently working on my major artwork witch I have named ‘Furusato’ meaning hometown; the place our hearts long for in Japanese, as you can probably guess from the title, my work is based on homesickness, something I get quite often as I am a boarder and don’t see home very often. The work is a self portrait using graphite with an ink black background and a sandy textured acrylic landscape of a picture I had taken of home.

My work focuses primarily on myths and folktales or other attempts at capturing the unusual dreamlike tone which attracts me to these stories. my practice involves painting and drawing and sometimes includes printmaking and other media.

Dean Schatzman, born in Grafton NSW, now living in Bowraville NSW. Currently in year 11 at Bowraville Central School. I am a young Blak, Queer and Neurodivergent visual artist. I use my art as a way to share my story with the world and communicate in a way I could never manage through words. My favorite art forms to work with are Ceramics and any sort of drawing or painting. My main achievements in ceramic and visual arts so far are having several pieces of my work displayed at multiple art exhibitions at our local gallery, The Phoenix. My aspirations for my art career is to further develop my skill set as an artist and to achieve more recognition and greater exposure for displaying and selling my works.

Professional dancer

I am a Dance Artist and Musician based in the Bega Valley, NSW ,Djiringanj country. I have been a
member of FLING Physical Theatre’s ‘FLING Company’ for three years. FLING Company is a youth
performance company for young people aged 14-20 years. I have had the opportunity to work with a
range of Guest Artists from across the national dance scene and am mentored by the professional
dancers who work as the core team at FLING. I have been a part of the development and performance
of a range of works made in a variety of mediums i.e. Film, Live etc. Notably; Rob McCredie’s award
winning work adapted for film ‘Body and Environment’ 2022 as well as Gabrielle Rose’s ‘Puffer’ performed at Canberra Theatre Centre. My journey with FLING has allowed me to begin working in the
creative sector as a Co-Creative Collaborator on two original performance seasons with the Y-FLING
and FLUX junior performance companies(7-13 years), ‘Game Face’ in 2022 and ‘We Built This’ in 2023. In
these projects I was part of the whole creative process, where I created original choreography and
generated improvisation scores before sharing them with younger performers. I participated in tasks
such as: contributing decisions around themes and choreography, set design, sound and technical
operation during the performances. FLING also runs a Community Engagement Program in which I
co-deliver class content and support the participants aged 5-14 in training and development. I have
had two years of bass guitar lessons at Magpie Music in Bega NSW with Dave Crowden. This has lead
me to join Mr. Crowden’s classical guitar group titled Guitarama, with whom I have performed many
gigs and collaborated with other youth music groups at events like Four Winds Youth Festival. I take
music as an elective subject at Bega High School. This has led me to form a band with my class mates
called Minimum Wage. We have performed at local events such as the Wanderer Festival. My work
with FLING as a young performing artist, mentor and Choreographic collaborator as well as my
exposure to music throughout my education, has catapulted me into a vast range of contemporary
making practices and has given me a fiery passion to create music and pursue a life as a
contemporary dance artist.

I currently study/practice lots of styles of dance and different performance types (eisteddfods, auditions and workshops). I am also in the process of choreographing for my schools musical ‘Chicago’ which is super fun. I do dance classes each week both locally and via Zoom from different teachers, these classes consist of Ballet, Jazz, Pointe and Contemporary. I also do lots of technique based training, attend workshops most holidays and I am studying Dance via Distance Ed for my HSC. I am also studying drama and enjoy the way it helps broaden my creative avenues.

I’m Katie Simpson, a 16 year old high school student and dancer. As well as enjoying, I thrive in community showcases and competitive environments. With a passion for performing, I Enjoy Contemporary dance as well as training in classical ballet, Jazz, HipHop and more. As a dedicated and disciplined performer, I hope to attend a school that will provide me with pre professional training and the resources to complete my advanced Diploma of Professional Dance. Beyond the dance studio, I navigate my school study’s and work hard to complete my VCE subjects such as, Physical Education, Health and human development and Child care. These skills have not only taught me patience in my own approach to learning, but l also see great scope to one day pass on my own knowledge as a dance and performance practitioner as a teacher.

Based in the New England, Tommy has attended the The Armidale School (TAS) for 4 years, where he has learnt, developed and enhanced his performance skills, most recently performing as Billy Flynn (2024 Production of Chicago: Teen Edition) and previously as Elles Dad (2023, Legally Blonde: The Musical) or in ensemble roles (2022, Rhinoceros, and 2021, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street). Additionally, Tommy has other experience in off stage roles, notably as the Assistant Technical Director of TAS’ 2023 Production of Fight With All Your Might, The Zombies Of Tonight. Tommy has collected technical experience in programming and working lights, sound and vision across the years of TAS. Tommy is also a keen singer and pianist, with several performances during his higher years. Currently, Tommy continues to perform, but maintains his focus on Playwriting, where he intends to utilise his work in performance, to form a career in.

Sara Wilson is an emerging illustrator and designer based in Wiradjuri Country, Wagga Wagga, NSW. Sara has been drawing for as long as she can remember, but began working as practicing illustrator in 2021. She began in the industry by designing and creating collateral for local theatre where she found her passion working with others towards a common goal.

Sara has recently began to delve more into digital illustration and is hoping to explore children’s illustration. She is excited at the prospect of using her art to educate younger generations to engage with the environment through approachable media like picture books or child-friendly animation.

Sara graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Design & Visual Arts) and is currently studying a Master of Teaching (Secondary) through University of Tasmania. Sara hopes to inspire a new generation to pursue the arts.

Lucy Lamb is a freelance writer from Wiradjuri Land. Her evocative fiction and non-fiction works explore concepts regarding absurdism, feminism and youth issues. Her work is published in the 2023 Regional Scribes Anthology titled ‘You Together’, produced by Regional Arts Australia. Lucy attained first-prize for poetry in the 2021 FAW National Lambing Flat Writing Competition. Visit lucylamb.blog for more.

Ella Bowen is a 17 year old student from Mullumbimby, NSW in Australia. she is an aboriginal Australian who started telling stories before she could write and continued long after. she loves reading and sharing her stories that often include themes of loss, love, home and inner worlds. she has shared her writing through school showcases over the years and her passion for writing has allowed her to appreciate nature and connection and value the effect that art has on people in all its forms. she hopes to grow her skills through this program and continue to learn from more experienced and talented artists.

I illustrate picture books for adults using all forms of mediums from painting to digital.
I currently reside in Albury but moved from Bhutan to Albury in 2018 with my family and started half of year ten. During those days I felt very isolated and was depressed for many years. The only fond memories I have of school are the art rooms and libraries, during recess i would go to the library and read picture books. I felt warmth and beauty even for a short period of time reading those books which inspired me to create my own. I wish to create picture books that convey warmth and beauty to people like me.

My achievements so far are: Shortlist Directors Acquisitive Art Prize (2019, NSW), Year 12 Art Exhibition (2021, MAMA), RAW 2022 (MAMA), and the QEII ‘Give Voice to Self’ Outdoor Exhibition (Albury City, 2022). Additionally, I have illustrated novel covers for two Bhutanese authors.
When I was selected for RAW 2022 I earned the scholarship for a 5-week Acrylic Painting for Beginners course with Alison Percy, a renowned local landscape painter. Following my participation in RAW, I also received a media coverage by an Italian Press agency working in Bhutan. I have also been to two live drawing classes and done a 5 week oil painting for beginners course with local artist Elynor Smithwick.
Since 2022, I have also been working at MAMA as a Visitor Experience Assistant.

Currently, I am conducting a workshop as a local artist with Parallel structures Projects, set to commence in March. In April, I will be participating at an outdoors lightbox exhibition in Albury where I will be exhibiting five paintings. Furthermore, I am illustrating a children’s book for Maxine Rennard, the author of ‘The Snail Ate the Mail’.

Ella has been in the creative industry from a young age, starting at 6 playing guitar. She has since found a passion in many areas of performance, particularly acting. Being an extra in Jake Speers short film “Lords of the Soil” has definitely been a highlight. Starting university this year studying a Media and Communications degree, she hopes to gain knowledge and experience from that and the mentorship program to set her in the direction of a career in the creative industries.

Annelise Everingham, from Myrtle Park, NSW, discovered her love for photography early on, studying photography and digital media in high school. Using her lens for storytelling, she particularly enjoys portrait photography, capturing the essence of human emotion. Growing up as the eldest of seven kids, she had plenty of subjects to practice on, finding inspiration in the candid moments of family life.
Annelise’s talent has been recognized through participation in numerous photography competitions. Notably, she was one of 50 students across NSW selected to have her artwork toured around children’s hospitals for the Operation Art competition.
With an eye for detail and a passion for connecting with her subjects, Annelise continues to explore the art of photography, weaving compelling narratives through her captivating images.

Working in the digital creative space has been a passion of mine since I was young. Through graphic design, film, motion graphics and photography, I have expressed personal stories and created content for businesses and myself. Screen arts is my most loved art form, as I thoroughly enjoy every element/process that goes into a film. From writing the script, to planning the pre-production, to directing/producing/working on the cinematography/lighting and audio of the actual filming process and finally the post-production. My work showcases themes and storylines that are important to me, such as growing up in small rural Australian towns, the importance of the land we live on and how that shapes us as human beings and being a creative person. My films have been featured in the Canberra Short Film Festival, Palace Electric Cinema and my motion graphic, ‘Time Well Valued’ was the 2022 Arts Category Winner in the University of Canberra’s Creative Competition. My latest film ‘The Gap Year’ explores the world of zines and growing up in a regional NSW town, it was funded by the Veolia Mulwaree Fund, and is my most proud and professional achievement to date.

I’m Juniper Martin: a young creative from a small town in NSW. I hope to become a director and movie producer and have pursued this goal by creating short films and entering them in local competitions. I have had some success but I hope to reach new heights as I enter into my senior years of high school. I believe I have a unique voice and I’m just looking for people to listen.

My name is Thomas Ryan, and I’m a writer/director of primarily short films, living in Muswellbrook, NSW. I have a passion for entertaining through the use of satire and comedy across any and all genres.

My writing aims to escalate the humour found within even the smallest exchanges or situations, through the involvement of heightened characters grounded through relatable and impassioned feelings.

Through my degree in Communications at the University of Newcastle, I’ve had many opportunities to create a wide variety of films and videos and showcase my swiftly growing skillset as well.

So far, I’ve been lucky enough to have some of my works screened (and sometimes awarded) at events such as the Blue Heeler Film Festival in the Upper Hunter and IndieX in Los Angeles.

Alfie Tait, 17, residing in the bush on the far south coast of NSW, is an emerging filmmaker with a recent focus on nature and its interaction with the modern world. His portfolio includes directing two films that reached finalist status in festivals, with one securing an award. Alfie has hands-on experience as a Production Assistant, Boom Operator, and B Camera Operator on three local short film sets. Over the past year, he has also directed several short films and performed in two dance films. Alfie has been a member of FLING Physical Theatre since 2019, contributing to dance and, recently, creating promotional videos to promote the company’s work.

I have been in acting and improvisation for 13 years, and have been slowly been building my skill and confidence over that time. As a result of my vision impairment, I switched to digital art at 12, which was when I started taking my art and writing more seriously. I am currently enrolled in a VET Live Production course, and I’m constantly working on improving my lighting and backstage skills through exposure and experience within the industry itself.

Hi! Im Steven Hopwood, I was born and raised in Gunnedah, New South Wales.
I grew up learning how to sing at the age of 5 (When I was in Kindergarten) and have had a love ever since. When I was 7, I competed at my first ever Eisteddfod, I didn’t do too well. Once I turned 10, It was like my voice was magic. I performed in the Musical Kinky Boots as Young Charlie.

Soon after, I changed from primary to high school. Ever since then I have attended multiple workshops with AMTA, and Orana Arts Inc. I have also sung at multiple NRL games and functions as well as renowned events such as ANZAC and Australia day.

Last year, I was the role of Aaron Schultz in my school production of Legally Blonde. Now this year I have taken a big step up and have taken the role of Amos Hart in the musical Chicago – Teen Edition.

I live for the performing arts and would love to make a career out of it some day as I enjoy what I do and I never get tired of it

A young actor, Evangeline Martin has been performing on stage since she was seven years old. Her passion for the performing arts has led her to be involved in numerous musicals and plays with highlights including starring as Belle in Beauty and the Beast Jr, The Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr and Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing. With an enthusiastic desire to be involved in any and every theatre opportunity around her, Evangeline has also directed multiple kids productions, in which she can share her knowledge and love for performance. She has worked backstage at many live events to assist in the smooth running of productions and is interested in expanding her knowledge into all areas of theatre. She is thrilled to begin her involvement in the mentorship program and explore her future in the creative industries.

My name is Belle Meyer, i’m 17 years old and identify with the LGBTQ community. I participate in intermediate and advanced music and theatre, and I hope to make a living as a performer. I’ve been in numerous plays in musicals since I was in year 3, but I only started becoming serious about it in year 9, and got my first lead in year 10. I won 1st place in 3 eisteddfods in year 10, and I was an ensemble member in our community theatre’s production of Les Miserables. I was Paulette in Legally Blonde, and Roxie Hart in Chicago. I am currently working on my individual project for drama, which requires me to come up with originality in my monologues that show my work. I hope to get into OnStage. I currently am a student in the Armidale School, and I work part-time at Subway.

My name is Emma, I grew up in the small underground, Opal mining town of White Cliffs. I now live in the forest, near the beach and have a beautiful 2 year old. I create with textiles, acrylic paint, pottery, and digital art. I am ever inspired by nature, and the beauty of her magic. I love whimsical and enchanting pieces that bring me back to my childhood, and tie in with Mother Earth – the root creator of all. My art is soft and feminine, and is mostly aimed at mothers or people who are also inspired by nature.

Cara Haley, a textiles artist from the border town of Echuca, between New South Wales and Victoria, finds inspiration in the beauty of discarded objects and the rapid changes of the modern world. Primarily working with textiles, Cara’s artistry transcends conventional boundaries, incorporating diverse mediums and experimental techniques gleaned from her appetite for learning. From repurposed fabrics to found objects, each piece embodies a narrative of resilience and transformation.
Her artistic journey into textiles, taught from her grandmother, has evolved into a profound exploration of forgotten histories and overlooked beauty. Despite the challenges of growing up in a small town, Cara’s dedication to her craft has garnered recognition on both local and international stages. From winning accolades at prestigious festivals to being lauded for her costume designs in an Australian film.
Looking ahead, Cara aspires to pursue further education in fashion or costume design, fueled by her unwavering commitment to storytelling through art. With each stitch and creation, Cara invites viewers to rediscover the extraordinary in the ordinary and to contemplate the ever-shifting tapestry of human experience

PJ Lale is a creative, multi-disciplinary artist based in Australia. He creates mesmerizing art pieces involving the movement of dance, creative design, photography and cinematography. Within his work, PJ’s skills bring the organic nature of himself and the world around him to life.

PJ renders the imagination of many with his unique approach to creating thought-provoking artworks. With his diverse array of skills, he is able to take audiences on a captivating journey within his artistry.

After graduating high school in the year of 2022, PJ Lale has gone on to actively pursue his own interests in the creative field, travelling to Samoa and working for the local radio and TV Station. This experience has taught him the importance of his own culture’s representation in the media, and wants to further enrich the dimensions of Samoan culture in modern society.

Pj Lale’s creative works of performance art are an inspirational source for many to explore their own creativity and imagination.

Ruby Sellers is a 16 year old aspiring artist specialising in textiles and fibre arts. Her pieces are exclusively created using second hand fabrics, inspiring unique pieces that are kind to the environment. The silhouettes and fabrics of her pieces are strongly influenced by the small coastal town she has spent most of her life. Still learning to fit clothes to different bodies she almost exclusively designs for herself, with the intention of expanding into creating others in the near future.

I’m Delilah Cross, a 16 year old girl from NSW Australia, i’ve always had a love for writing, but i found my passion, when i realised i could write my own songs, at around 9 years old i started writing original songs and recorded some at age 15, they cover different topics like my mind, breakups, love and world issues, the genre is indie pop folk but i want to expand and be versatile. I write my music first on guitar and take it to my guitar teacher, where he helps to record it, one of my songs I recorded on an app ‘Band lab’. Similar artists to me are Alex G, Noah Kahan, Taylor Swift, Derson, Missie Higgins and Olivia Rodrigo because of original lyrics, creative mindset, emotional attachment to their music and writing and our style of writing and music. This all started when i came to realise that I was different, I wasn’t good at what all my peers were good at, but i was good at writing and I loved how music soothed me, so with my love of writing and music and Taylor Swift, I started writing my own songs, hoping someday, I could comfort others like me. My biggest achievements would be reaching 6671 streams, receiving a deal for my book even if it didn’t follow through and performing Infront of my school.

As a 17-year-old indie pop singer/songwriter, Klancie is a young and creative musician based in regional NSW, passionate about creating meaningful music pieces that showcase her as a person. Through her love of music from a young age and experiences with collaborations, songwriting contests and many live performances, Klancie has gained confidence in her stage presence and songwriting abilities, allowing her to transfer this into her work.
Klancie has found influence in many of her favourite artists including Coldplay, Celeste, Gabrielle Aplin, Yebba and Taylor Swift. After placing first in the Inland Sea of Sound songwriting competition, Klancie was allowed the opportunity to record and release her first single “Inevitable” in July of 2023 which is accessible on all streaming platforms. She is now working on her new single “Ricochet”, which she hopes to release in the first half of 2024.

Marlo Gaukroger has had a creative streak ever since they were a child, making up songs on the spot and singing to their heart’s content. Now, they channel that energy into much more productive things, like writing songs ahead of time and singing to their heart’s content. Born and raised in Albury, Marlo has performed in the Riverina Choral Camp Choir, the NSW State Choir, the School Spectacular Choir, and on multiple occasions while enrolled at Albury High School. Raised on artists like They Might Be Giants and American Authors, Marlo has been writing songs accompanied by ukulele and guitar since they were 10, having done solo live performances in multiple local establishments. Their original songs take a massive influence from indie pop/folk – if you like Cavetown, The Oh Hellos or dodie, you’re bound to find a favourite in Marlo’s yet-to-be-released array of songs!

Booster seat AKA Ziggy Marin is a Queanbeyan based singer songwriter and performer that writes as much acoustic guitar ballads as they do thrashing punk rock. Not sticking to any specific genres, Ziggy writes about a diversity of things in their music, not shying away from politics but also writing anything from anecdotal stories to silly songs about a Big Green Pea that lives in the Swamp, often using genre to amplify the theme of each song.

Rory Phillips is an aspiring young guitarist/singer/songwriter and music lover to his core, who sits anywhere in the realm of alt-country, blues, folk or rock. Aside from his dynamic playing, most say it’s his confidence and stage presence which sets him apart from his peers. Bill Chambers describes Rory as “always displaying a professional enthusiasm way beyond his years, and definitely has a way with an audience”.

Rory’s 2022 single ‘The Truth’ was named a finalist in the inaugural Environmental Music Prize alongside industry heavyweights including Paul Kelly, Lime Cordiale, Briggs + Tim Minchin and Holy Holy. His follow-up single, ‘Because Boys’, took an insightful look into the mental health struggles of young men and was chosen by the NSW Department of Education as the repertoire piece for their 2023 Boys’ Vocal Program, and was showcased in the 2023 NSW Schools Spectacular, with Rory performing as a featured artist.

A regular on festival stages from an early age, Rory was named the 2023 NSW Folk Federation Young Artist of the Year, and is also the youngest ever member of iconic Australian band, The Bushwackers, joining the band at 13-years-old, a testament to his ability as an accomplished musician.

I have been involved in music from a young age, taking classical piano lessons for the better part of my life. I was propelled into songwriting after gaining confidence vocally through lessons and self-learning the guitar. I have a wide range creative influences, from mainstream pop like Olivia Rodrigo to neo-soul like Frank Ocean. I also enjoy R&B and hip hop but I feel that my own music leans towards the pop-indie style, although it is still developing with every song I write. I feel most inspired by artists such as Cavetown, Billie Eilish and Beabadoobee in my writing. I hope to help people feel through my music what they might not have otherwise been able to express.

Belle is a 16-year-old singer-songwriter from Dubbo, NSW known for her passion, expressive voice, and determined spirit. Drawing inspiration from her life experiences, she crafts heartfelt songs that resonate deeply with listeners. Despite her youth, Belle possesses a maturity and authenticity in her music that sets her apart. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her soulful performances and heartfelt lyrics. With a drive to succeed in the music industry, Belle is already making waves in local gigs and performances. As she continues to pursue her dreams, she remains focused on sharing her voice and stories with the world, inspiring others along the way.

I’m Jackyboy
If it sounds original than I make it a song.
My artistic style has always been inspired by heaving contrasts of good and bad in this world and I encorparate that into my music
I have used hundreds of thousands of different sounds blending orchestral instruments with house or rnb. I like my songs to feel like a journey with twists and turns where my creative side feels it necessary
I have engaged with art for as long as I’ve been alive and I have no plans on stopping and hope to keep evolving more
All of my music has been arranged on an iPhone in garage band
88 released songs made by a phone and samples
My influences vary from vintage to modern and I like to think I effectively blend the two

Creating music is a gravity that is hard to escape. I am Lochlann O’duibhir, and I have been drawn to making music since I was 11. After taking lessons in guitar, piano, music theory, and production, I became captivated by the world of music creation. Inspired by the likes of Jacob Collier’s megaprojects, and surf rock legends like Spacey Jane, Ocean Alley and Hockey Dad, I began experimenting in Ableton Live – stacking vocal tracks like they were Legos, I love to push the boundaries of harmony, creating music that I struggle to define into one genre. After releasing many side projects to Bandcamp, I finally released my first single, ‘Every Minute’, to major streaming platforms in 2023. While this is my first major release, I am working on other sounds, that I endeavor to write and produce myself. My long-term goal is to write, produce, and release a full 10-track studio album before I turn 25.

Hard hitting lyrical storyteller my name is AD and I’m from the rural town of Griffith NSW originally from Ethiopia I came to Australia when I was 7 years old and I have had a love for music and production since high school.

Anabelle is a 16-year-old singer and musician based in Orange, NSW. She brings a different flavour by combining soulful vocals with her saxophone.

She is a multi-instrumentalist who regularly performs solo and with other musicians, engaging in a range of genres from jazz and blues to rock and pop.

South African born, she has been passionate about music from a young age, performing at many venues, events, concerts and competitions over the years.

Anabelle has been a regular busker in different towns and venues which has helped fund her music career.

Her beautiful vocal tones and skilful sax playing has captured the attention of many, winning her a host of Awards and Championships over the years.

Some of her accomplishments include but are not limited to:

Australian National Busking Champion

Carnegie Hall Solo Performance & Sydney Opera House

Featured artist at the Parkes Elvis Festival

My small home town of Warren has given me some amazing opportunities to express my creativity. I work for a farm machinery dealership, taking care of their marketing strategies and design visuals.

I am involved with a number of artsy projects, and am passionate about contributing to the local community. The Warren Museum and Gallery, is new to Warren and I’m keen to help develop its profile for tourism.

I have almost finished illustrating a children’s book for a friend and in my spare time I study online a Certificate 4 in Graphic Design.

Over the last 2 years I have designed the Warren Chamber Music festival program, posters and social media posts, and enjoyed being involved with designing and digitalising the vehicle wrap for the Warren Preschool bus (in collaboration with Peter Mackay, a local Indigenous artist.)

In all of these projects, I am learning as I go.

My name is Faith, I’m nineteen and I am a passionate ink-based illustrator interested in being a Tattoo Artist. Living on Wilyakali Country for most of my life, I draw inspiration from the land and natural environment, as well as my own Maltese culture. I enjoy comic-based works, which have influenced my style tremendously, namely from the styles of Kim Jung Gi, Karl Kopinski, and Clara Meath. I focus primarily on portraits and perspective heavy landscapes.

I’m Ruby Sanders and I’m an artist from the South Coast of NSW. The medium of art that I work in is photography. The love of photography started when spending my time down at the beach with my family and taking photos of the beach and my surrounding. It then expanded through a photography competition where I won! I put the money towards . . buying more cameras! I have developed my style would love to explore more of graphics and anything design related. In the future I hope to still be taking photos and creating as art is important.

My name is Georgia Spence and I have lived on property, in a bell tent, for 3 years. Living off grid, I have experienced the elements in a way that has challenged my perspective. I notice the entwined resilience and rhythmic cycles of all living things. This is a stark contrast from growing up, in the Inner West of Sydney. My digital art draws from my experience of living in various environments. The unification of technology and nature highlights the limitless realities and cycles of the human experience. My prints are layered to create a feeling that mimics the way an environment makes me feel. My previous experience has involved organising underground events where I managed graphic content, performances and other volunteers. Currently, I work as a journalist at a local newspaper. I have been trained in photography and have taken multiple front page shots. I have experience in professional writing and am skilled in direct communication (online and in person). I am community minded and expressing my art, not only benefits me, but those I can share my experience with.

I paint and also do digital art and also graphic design and mixed media collages. I make low budget personal interest and pop culture documentaries on YouTube and I do drag as a hobby. I also write poetry and decent sized articles and essays for fun.

From Bowraville, NSW, I’m a technical artist and programmer with five years of experience in interactive computer graphics, specializing in shader coding. I have a background in art and animation and a keen interest in generative art, virtual reality, and game development. Currently, I teach digital art at Nambucca Valley Phoenix, sharing my knowledge with aspiring artists and developers. Always exploring new frontiers, I aim to merge technical skills with artistic creativity in my work.

Anikan Evans, a 20-year-old from Coonabarabran, is a rising star in writing and worldbuilding. Nestled in the charm of his small town, Evans’ passion for crafting immersive narratives spans both the book and video game industries. Recently setting out to learn the intricacies of his chosen crafts, he embraces the challenge with enthusiasm. Connabarabran’s landscapes serve as a backdrop for Evans’ imaginative projects, influencing his creations. With an insatiable curiosity and a commitment to growth, he aspires to captivate audiences with his storytelling prowess. Evans is not just a dreamer; he is a budding artist shaping worlds through words and code alike, leaving an indelible mark on literature and interactive entertainment.

Logan Hughes is a dynamic digital artist, cartoonist, and aspiring animator. Inspired by a wide spectrum of themes, they bring to life their ideas ranging from upbeat topics, to pieces on more mature subjects. Their passion for art is fueled by the vibrant world around them, and the things they love. They hope to continue their journey of growing and perfecting their skills.

An Albury based digital artist, Arren has been deveoping his artistic skills for the past several years, and has recently started creating art full time within the past two years for projects and clients.

Arren creates character driven worlds and artwork, consisting of sci-fi elements and beings of mechanical nature, incorporated with organic elements, such as succulents and flowers. His works are rooted in the issues and intricacies of self worth and acceptance, primarily based on his own experiences of transistioning and day to day work in the world around us.

Angelo Papagni is a 21-year-old multidisciplinary artist currently based in Fernmount, NSW (Gumbaynggir country), who specialises in photography. Over the past few years he has explored both traditional and modern photographic practices, with an emphasis on black & white photography. His practice has been informed by cultural experiences throughout his youth, and consequently, he strives to communicate the essence of the human experience, both personal and shared, usually carried out with a tinge of a nostalgia. Angelo enjoys touching on various subjects, although he has a tendency to be attracted to people, their behaviour, physiognomy, individual & cultural identity.
He is currently developing his portfolio of work and is studying to better improve his technical knowledge in the field. Angelo also enjoys drawing, and although it differs both stylistically and thematically from his photography, it plays an important role in his artistic practice, allowing for a more unregulated and childlike creative outlet. He wishes to further explore the photographic practice, and experiment extensively in both technical and artistic aspects, with an introduction of new stylistic elements, subjects, concepts and photographic mediums.

As the oldest of three brothers, I hail from the charming town of Junee. My educational journey culminated with a successful completion of K-12, earning my HSC along the way. Music has been a constant passion, whether performing in my school band or captivating audiences with solo performances, showcasing my versatile skills on guitar, bass, piano, and vocals. With an unwavering support system of close friends, we’ve weathered tough times together, emerging stronger each time. My interests span across various realms including movies, comics, art/illustration, animation, video games, and of course, indulging in the melodic world of music. Over the past six years, I’ve honed my professional skills in the retail sector, contributing to two different stores with dedication and proficiency. Through every endeavor, I strive to embrace life’s adventures with enthusiasm and resilience.

Australian born into a Vietnamese family. Parents immigrated in 90’s.
Vietnamese is our primary language spoken at home. I speak English as a second language.
Primary school was in Sydney before moving to Singleton in Year 8.
I have an older sister and younger brother
My interest in art began in primary school at East Hills primary school.
My drawings come from a strong interest in sci-fi fiction.

Aleesha is a young aspiring director and filmmaker. She has worked on numerous stage productions in lighting design and opperation, set design and construction and the filming of a stage production. She is currently directing ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ in her home town of Barham, whilst also completing year 11. Aleesha has taken numerous film based classes including a screenwriting class run by Joshua Tyler (Top End Wedding) and a correspondance VET course of Live poduction and technical services. She can’t wait to share her imagination with the world and looking forward to working on an Oscar winning film!

My name is Aria Kitchener, a proud Genderfluid, First Nations Animator and storyteller of Wiradjuri and Bundjalung descent.
I have a deep passion about showing the truth of Australia’s history through Projects, and am a strong advocate for social and political change, as I believe the best way to work towards a more inclusive future is through a mix of humour and education.
Through my projects I delve into a spectrum of critical themes such as; class oppression, climate change, community empowerment, neurodiversity, diversity, mental health, capitalism, and how the audience being individuals can take action to help change the future for the better.
My driving force to share my projects is to be the person I needed when I was a kid. I’m dedicated to lifting the voices of those who are neglected by society. No one deserves to be alienated for simply existing.
Being Autistic, my work has helped me explore who I truly am and my fundamental understanding of this world, and I hope to help others do that too.

Hi, I’m Saskia! I’m currently 17 years old and I go by they/them pronouns. I live out in Far West NSW in a rural town called Broken Hill. My passion for art (and music) goes back as far as I can remember, over the years I have worked with lots of different mediums, but I primarily do digital and traditional art, as well as animation, acrylic painting, and working with clay. I have been apart of many art classes in town over the years, with my biggest work being a mural I helped collaborate on with many other young artists that is displayed outside our town’s art gallery. In this program I hope to expand on my animation skills, I have always wanted to improve them and always find myself imagining intricate animations that I long to make real.

I work in illustrations and comics, I love exploring themes of alienation, the supernatural, the human experience, sensuality, and camp. My art has been featured in local art shows and on a radio van for Southwest Arts Deniliquin. I have taken visual art classes in secondary school and art therapy/ tutoring hosted by the local high school. I also enjoy narrative writing and performing. I am working on several comics and projects including building my portfolio to attend university. I live in Deniliquin, where I attend the local Tafe and work in retail.

Over several years, Jet Smith has honed his own creative outlets through several theatrical performances, learning to utilise a character’s physicality and a performer’s physical elements to tell a story. As Jet has graduated high school he has found a new interest in animation, and is currently adapting his physical performance skills into this new creative outlet of animation, which allows him to use it towards his other passions of motion capture, special effects, and even stop motion/claymation. Jet is excited to see the opportunities and development that the Horizon Program brings.

Max Dawnn (they/she), a 16-year-old emerging artist from Broken Hill, explores identity and human experience through installation and abstract sculpture. They’ve exhibited at Broken Hill City Art Gallery, captivating audiences with their innovative perspective. Experimenting with performance and scriptwriting, Max’s art evolves, reflecting the urban-rural dynamic of their surroundings. Max challenges norms, fostering dialogue beyond gallery walls. With a bold vision and commitment to authenticity, they push artistic boundaries, inspiring change and connections in the contemporary art world.

My name is Lillianlee Harris and I’ve been in one theatre production, have gone to a few acting workshops and a film and television workshop and I do music singing lessons, I like to paint, draw and do photography.

I am a 16-year-old student in Year 11 with a passion for theatre and performance. I’ve been actively involved in my local theatre scene, having performed in several productions like “Anne of Green Gables” and “Freaky Friday.” In 2023, I had the exciting opportunity to attend work experience at the Australian Theatre for Young People, where I gained valuable insights into the industry. I also dedicate time to building my confidence through weekly classes with The Actors Pulse, enhancing my skills and knowledge. Acting is more than just a hobby for me, it’s a form of expression and storytelling that I’m deeply passionate about. I aspire to continue exploring the world of acting and pursuing my dreams of performing.

Bethany Osborne is a mid 20’s emerging creative artist, growing up and currently residing in Central West NSW. Bethany Osborne has most recently completed an Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts, that followed a Diploma of VIsual arts. Where she learnt drawing and printmaking techniques as well as some color theory and other creative skills. She has also Completed a Bachelors of Communications (Theatre Media) where she developed a range of design and performance skills.
She has been presented works in TAFE NSW Orange Creative Arts showcases from 2021-2023 Showing a range of works from drawing and collage to printed fabric aprons and a original stop motion animation titled ‘One Day At A Time’ Bethany has been a part of the community arts show, Waste 2 Art for a number of years and Won the Waste Theme Award in 2021.

Sophie is a passionate high-school student who enjoys all aspects of the creative arts. Her current creative practise at high school is Acting. From her first production she performed in 2015, as the lead role in ‘Room on the Broom’ with Moree Arts Thespian Junior’s Drama (MATJD), she has always enjoyed stepping onto the stage and has continued to pursue her interest in acting. Sophie has performed in numerous productions throughout her schooling years

Hannah Mitchell is an emerging artist within the Riverina region. With the recent completion of her HSC, Hannah performed a monologue from the play ‘Medea’ earning a Band 6 result, with the help of her high school Drama Teacher. Her experience lies in both Shakespearean and classic plays, including credits as Juliet in ‘Romeo + Juliet’, and a supporting member in ‘The Crucible’, both local plays produced by local theatre group GRAPA.

More recently, Hannah has joined ‘Kokonut Productions’, a local creative group run by young and emerging artists who create content for local businesses and artistic performances for social media. Hannah is excited to see where her involvement in the Horizons program will take her and is grateful for the opportunity of working amongst other talent youths in rural Australia.