Cairns student takes top prize in Art Awards

Independent Education Union Queensland and Northern Territory Branch (IEU-QNT

A local Cairns student was honoured at last night’s Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) Excellence in Art and Design Awards.

Jasper Phillips from Holy Cross School in Cairns topped the Years 3 and 4 category with his stunning photograph, titled Metamorphosis.

Art and Design Awards reviewer Pete Whittred said Jasper’s photograph was captivating.

“The chrysalis is always useful as a sign of growth and change,” Pete said.

This photo has been thoughtfully constructed with great colours of the green and gold, and sharply focused for the viewer to observe and consider the theme,” he said.

The annual Art Awards were established in 1994 to promote and encourage artistic students and celebrate their flair for creativity.

At last night’s presentation, held at the Queensland Multicultural Centre in Brisbane, Awardees’ artworks were displayed in an exhibition and recipients were presented with certificates and a cash prize.

IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the reviewers were wowed by the quality of the over 600 submissions across all age groups in response to the 2024 theme of ‘Growing Up’.

“The reviewers commented on the high standard of entries and the varied and creative interpretations that entrants brought to this year’s theme,” Mr Burke said.

“Our union established the Awards to promote and encourage artistic students and celebrate their flair for creativity.

“Art is a very important area of learning in schools, and IEU-QNT is proud to support the artistic talent of students and staff in the Queensland and Northern Territory non-government sector,” he said.

/Public Release.