Refugee Youth Arts and Literature Competition showcases young local talent

The Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC) was thrilled to hold its annual Refugee Youth Arts and Literature Competition on Thursday 21 September in partnership with Connection Arts Space in Dandenong. With applications open to anyone aged between 12 and 25 years, the competition encourages youth people to explore their identity ‘through the pages and across the canvas.’

This year’s competition received 22 artwork submissions covering a range of mediums including paint, pencil, mixed media and more.

SMRC CEO Rakesh Sharma congratulated participants for their efforts and emphasised the arts as a powerful tool of expression and communication.

“SMRC recognises the value in celebrating the diversity of local talent this area boasts, especially our young people,” Rakesh said. “By championing the ideas and voices of young people from refugee backgrounds, we showcase their creativity in an established local art gallery and provide an opportunity for the public to engage with and support the stories our refugee youth community are choosing to tell.”

Five prizes were awarded to exceptional entries on the opening night. All entries are on display at Connection Arts Space Gallery, corner of Robinson and Walker streets Dandenong. The exhibition will remain on display Wednesday to Saturday from 12-4pm until 14 October