Hope shines bright with local artists on display

Published on 22 January 2025

The wait is over. The City of Whittlesea is excited to present Hope: A Spectrum of Possibility, a vibrant art exhibition where local artists share their thoughts through art on hope and what it means from tough times to dreaming of a brighter future.

This free exhibition is now open for everyone to enjoy, showcasing a wide range of artworks and styles that everyone can enjoy and admire.

For more than 16 years, this community exhibition has given local artists a chance to show their incredible talent and in 2025, for the first time, the exhibition is being held at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre (PRACC). The new location is accessible, offers extended opening hours and deeper visitor experiences, including free workshops and artist talks, providing more ways to enjoy art and creativity.

The 160 artworks on display show many diverse interpretations of hope, ranging from visions of a better world and reflections on resilience and strength. Each piece brings a unique perspective to the theme and showcases the remarkable creativity of our local community.

The exhibition features work by 140 local 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 crafted a collection that will captivate and inspire visitors of all ages.

At the launch even on 16 January, Deputy Mayor Councillor Daniela Zinni presented several awards for this exhibition. The judging panel, which consisted of the Deputy Mayor, in addition to the City of Whittlesea Director of Community Wellbeing, Agata Chmielewski and local 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

Exhibition visitors will have a chance to vote for their favourite artwork and a People’s Choice Award will be announced at the end of the exhibition.

Exhibition Dates: Friday 17 January to Friday 7 February 2025
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm with Thursdays open until 7pm and Saturdays 11am – 2pm
Venue: PRACC, 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang
Entry: Free

For more information and for workshop details visit the Annual Art Exhibition – Hope: A Spectrum of Possibility page.

Quotes attributable to 2025 Art Award winner, Ildiko Kormanyos

I’m very happy to participate in the exhibition… I love it because anyone can be involved, regardless of age, talent or anything.

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.

Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Deputy Mayor, Councillor Daniela Zinni

• For more than 16 years, the Art Exhibition has celebrated the amazing talent in our community. 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.