Emerge: Youth Art Awards Receive Record Number of Entries

The Emerge: Youth Art Awards received a record 169 entries from 127 entrants this year - and they will be on display at the John Leckie Pavilion on August 19.

From 2pm to 6pm, the free exhibition will showcase the art works from youth aged 12 to 25 with live music, food, giveaways and an awards ceremony.

Nedlands Mayor Max Hipkins said there was a $2,000 total prize pool to be awarded for the resident's and open awards with voting for the People's Choice Award taking place at the exhibition.

"I've been impressed by the enthusiasm shown for Emerge this year, reflected in how many entries we received," he said.

"It highlights the wonderful amount of creativity out there in the community and the can-do attitude and eagerness of our youth.

"Art can take many shapes and forms and to translate that into something on a canvas or paper or in a photograph takes a certain flair.

"We also have some great discerning palettes on our judging panel - but we also want to canvas the opinions of people at the exhibition."

The judging panel consists of Eva Fernandez, a practising artist for more than 20 years; regular exhibitor Dan Gladden and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts Acting Education Program Curator Caroline Forsberg.

Live music will come from singer-songwriter Izzy Hollingdale, WA Academy of Performing Arts contemporary music student Grace Armstrong and singer, guitarist and harmonica player Lachy John.

"There's always a great atmosphere at the Emerge exhibition every year and I'm pleased it has something for everyone, ready to keep people entertained," Mayor Hipkins said.

John Leckie Pavilion is on the corner of Melvista Avenue and Stone Road, Nedlands.

Photo: This year's Emerge: Youth Art Awards exhibition will feature a performance by WAAPA student Grace Armstrong.