THE City of Whittlesea’s Art Exhibition is finally here, where artists can share their thoughts on hope, and what it means in tough times and for brighter futures.
Presenting Hope: A Spectrum of Possibility, the exhibition showcases 160 artworks, ranging from visions of a better world and reflections on resilience and strength. Each piece has a unique perspective to the theme, and showcases the creativity of the community.
For more than 16 years, the community exhibition has provided artists a chance to show their talent and in 2025, for the first time, the exhibition is being held at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre (PRACC) in South Morang.
The new location is accessible, offering extended opening hours and better visitor experiences, including free workshops and artist talks, providing more ways to enjoy art and creativity.
The exhibition features work by 140 artists connected to the City of Whittlesea. Using a wide range of materials and styles, including painting, photography, sculpture, glasswork, and mosaics, the artists have put together a collection that will inspire visitors of all ages.
At the launch event on January 16, Deputy Mayor Councillor Daniela Zinni presented several awards for the exhibition.
The judging panel, which consisted of the Deputy Mayor, in addition to the City of Whittlesea Director of Community Wellbeing Agata Chmielewski and artist Zahraa Al Zubaydi, reviewed the submissions and announced the winners of the following awards:
City of Whittlesea Annual Art Award: Ildiko Kormanyos, Contemplation
Highly Commended: Iaki Vallejo, La Reina (The Queen)
Award of Excellence: Lucy Cleary, Ray of Hope
Highly Commended: Hayden McLean, He stitched it with bald Grandpa and Uncle Steve
Award of Excellence, Originality: Anna Vidalis, The Final Bead of Hope
Highly Commended: Suzanne Gunningham, Don’t Look Up—just this, just now
Youth Award: Narjes, Reaching for Hope
Ms Kormanyos said she was excited to be part of an inclusive exhibition.
“I’m very happy to participate in the exhibition … I love it because anyone can be involved, regardless of age, talent, or anything,” she said.
“I’m grateful we can be here at PRACC, it’s a new place, with lots of people attending … we need this exhibition, we need this opportunity in this area.”
Deputy Mayor Councillor Zinni said the exhibition acknowledged talent in the community.
“For more than 16 years, the art exhibition has celebrated the amazing talent in our community,” she said.
“This year’s theme, Hope: A Spectrum of Possibility, highlights the creativity and strength of our local artists.
“This art exhibition is not just about showing art, it is about bringing people together, nurturing our creative community, and celebrating the incredible local talent.
“Judging this year’s exhibition was no easy task, given the outstanding quality and diversity of the submissions. The creativity and talent within our community are truly inspiring.”
Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork, with the winner to receive the People’s Choice Award, announced at the end of the exhibition.
The exhibition runs from January 17 to February 7, and is open Monday to Friday from 10am–4pm, with extended hours on Thursdays until 7pm. On Saturdays, the exhibition is open from 11am–2pm.
The venue is located at 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang.
For more information and workshop details, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/artexhibition.
