Younger photographers awarded and platformed at new National Centre

Awardees of the inaugural Ballarat Youth Photography Prize have been introduced final weekend when the doorways of Lydiard Street’s new National Centre for Photography opened for the primary time.

Ninety-five pictures from younger artists aged 12-25 have been entered within the prize introduced by the Ballarat International Foto Biennale (BIFB)

The winner within the Connected Category for 12-17 years was 15-year-old Nia Wolfshorter, 18-year-old Amelie Stannells took out the prize for Connected Catergory for 18-15 years, the Open Category for 12-17 years was received by 15-year-old Ava Yovich, and 20-year-old Haylee Canfield was awarded the Open Category 18-25 years honour.

“For every visitor who walks through these doors, there’s a story of a new generation of artists, and audiences of every age, who are being provided a place to grow and learn,” stated BIFB CEO Vanessa Gerrans.

“Sparking inquisitive minds is at the heart of this prize which is an early platform for the artists of the future, and a chance for the Central Highlands community to see the region through young eyes.”

The Ballarat Youth Photography Prize was developed by GroupFoto, the BIFB youth council supporting the subsequent era of photographers within the area.

The prize affords a platform for rising artists initially of their artistic careers.

BIFB chair Alicia Linley stated the youth council and prize are an vital platform for younger folks.

“These are the photographers who’ll shape what this medium becomes,” she stated.

“Giving them a stage this early, in a space built for a future focus, is one of the most important things we can do for Ballarat and the photographic industry.”

The exhibition will probably be open for public viewing on weekdays from 10am to 12pm till Friday 2 October on the National Centre for Photography, with entry by way of Bath Lane.

Visitors can have the prospect to vote within the UFS People’s Choice Award.