Exhibition illustrates excellence in visual art education

• The Crisafulli Government is supporting aspiring artists for future careers with the opening of Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art.
• The exhibition of award-winning student artwork recognises and celebrates the high standard of visual art education in Queensland secondary schools.
• 40 outstanding artworks will be featured at the exhibition from 28 March to 13 September.

The Crisafulli Government is providing 40 talented arts students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to exhibit their work in a world-class facility through the 2026 Creative Generation Excellence Awards. 

Opening today at the Gallery of Modern Art, the exhibition recognises and celebrates high-achieving arts students and helps to prepare them for potential future careers in the creative sector.  

Selected last year, from more than 470 submissions from 164 schools across Queensland, the exhibited works showcase the outstanding talent of Queensland’s top senior secondary student artists. 

The exhibited artists explored several themes including identity, family stories, and their place in the world, using diverse mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, and experimental materials.  

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future through the record $21.9 billion Education Budget, which is delivering 15 new schools, more teachers and teacher aides, and excellence programs including the Premier’s ANZAC Prize, the Peter Doherty Awards and the Quantum Challenge. 

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said this exhibition highlighted excellence in visual art education and the role of teachers shaping the next generation of artists. 

“Congratulations to all the 40 talented students exhibiting artworks at the Gallery of Modern Art,” Minister Langbroek said. 

“Exhibiting at the Gallery of Modern Art is a prestigious opportunity for any artist, and receiving this level of recognition so early in their careers is an incredible achievement.  

“These awards showcase the degree of sophistication in concepts, diversity of technical competence, and the high standard of visual art education in state and non-state schools. 

“The exhibition is also preparing students to work in the arts industry by attending an exclusive preview evening to foster confidence and build industry connections for a creative career beyond school. 

“I encourage senior secondary visual art students to enter this year’s awards when submissions open in Term 2.” 

Beau Rixon completed her studies through the Brisbane School of Distance Education and said receiving a visual art excellence award in 2025 has made her realise her potential. 

“Having always been a perfectionist and so critical of my work, my artwork being chosen has silenced any self-doubt, and has given me confidence to pursue my art practice with a new mindset,” Beau said. 

Fairholme College graduate Bron Francis said being selected for the awards is an incredibly meaningful milestone in her journey as a young artist.  

“I hope to pursue a career in teaching art, as I believe it is an invaluable tool that allows everyone to express their thoughts, emotions, and unique perspectives,” Bron said.