The Y Ballarat’s annual Youth Art Exhibition is taking place earlier this year, opening in April, showcasing the art of over 60 young creatives. With 86 pieces on display, it’s our biggest show yet.

The community is invited to the Opening Night, which is on 17 April, between 5.30pm – 7.00pm. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the talent and contributions of these young artists, as well as purchase artworks.

With entertainment, refreshments and the announcement of the special awards, all with young people’s energy, planning and participation, it’s sure to be a great evening!

The Artist’s Choice Award and the Y’s Choice Award, will be presented, with each coming with a prize of $100.

The exhibition is on until Wednesday 29 April, with the public invited to also vote on their favourite piece for the “People’s Choice Award”, which is announced at the conclusion of the show.

The event provides a positive and supportive environment for young people to show their work, and to see it on display in an exhibition setting alongside a diverse range of pieces.

Y Ballarat’s Youth Team’s Exhibition Organiser, Lilia Haughie, with artworks submitted for this year: “Splash Symphony” by Jordan and “Grace” by Indianna.

Exhibition organiser, Lilia Haughie from the Y Ballarat Youth team, says, “This is a fantastic opportunity for young creatives to gain real-life experience in displaying and exhibiting their work in a professional setting.

It gives artists the chance to see their work presented publicly and even earn money by selling their art. Experiences like this are invaluable for building confidence and understanding what it’s like to be part of a real exhibition.”

As the artwork comes in and the arrangement of the pieces is finalised, Lilia adds, “I’m really looking forward to seeing the wide variety of artwork and meeting the artists behind the pieces. There’s always so much creativity, talent, and originality – everyone brings something unique, and it’s inspiring to see how clever and imaginative young people can be.

This year, there’s no specific theme, which has opened the door for creative freedom, allowing artists to fully express themselves in whatever style or medium they choose.”

Letitia Yates with her winning artwork, “Diverse Dolls” at the 2025 Youth Art Exhibition’s Opening Night.

Letitia Yates, who has exhibited works in the Youth Art Exhibition over many years says that it’s important to show diversity and identity through different ways, with art providing a valuable avenue for exploring and highlighting these topics.

“Some of the best parts of having my art in the exhibition is being able to show people my art and my identity,” Letitia explains.

Letitia took out the Y’s Choice Award in 2025, with her work “Diverse Dolls”.

“I was not expecting to win, so I was so excited! It was more special because I knew it was my last year to be eligible to enter (due to my age). It meant a lot to me that someone known in our community purchased the artwork.” Letitia’s 2025 piece “Diverse Dolls” was bought by Julianna Addison, MP.

Letitia encourages other young people to explore art as a hobby, side hustle and just for fun, and recommends taking that next step of submitting and showing work. “The Youth Art Exhibition is a good way to encourage young people to be able to exhibit their art at no cost,” she added.

Last year’s Opening Night was attended by over 150 young artists and guests.

Organiser, Lilia, shares her hopes for this year’s Exhibition, “Last year the Opening Night attracted over 150 people of which half were artists and young supporters. This created an energetic and supportive atmosphere, and many works were sold! These numbers really show how much interest and enthusiasm there is for young creatives in our community. It’s amazing to see so many young artists willing to share their work, and so many people coming along to celebrate and support them.

Building on that success, this year’s show is bigger, with more artists, more artwork, and we’re hoping for an even larger crowd on Opening Night to recognise and celebrate young creative talent.”

To assist with catering, those interested in attending the Opening Night are encouraged to RSVP via the form here.

Can’t make the Opening Night? The Exhibition is open for viewing during 20 – 29 April, between 9.00am – 5.00pm, in the Atrium at Barkly Square, 25-39 Barkly Street, Ballarat.

There is no charge for attending the Opening Night or the Exhibition.