Pablo Picasso famously said, “Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” It’s a sentiment that the Mosman Art Gallery no doubt understands.

A stable of the local Mosman community, the Gallery is preparing for the opening of its ‘Youth Art Prize’ – an annual exhibition that attracts almost 250 entries from young artists across Sydney between the ages of 12 to 21 years of age.

In the Gallery’s view, it’s the most popular and loved exhibition – and a valued partner to the Adult ‘Mosman Art Prize’ that occurs annually in September. Perhaps it’s because the Youth prize taps into the hearts and minds of hundreds of families across Sydney, whose children have expressed courageous passion and commitment to their art.

Or, perhaps it’s because of its ties to local Mosman-ite and all-round Australian icon, Ken Done, who established the prize back in 1988. A prize of great meaning and success, and a platform that’s launched many artists’ careers in the years since, such as Alex Seton, Laura Jones, Natasha Walsh and JD Reforma.

As proud Gold Sponsor of the Mosman Youth Art Prize, BresicWhitney was invited to witness and document just some of the care and attention that brings this treasured prize to life. Our interview with Althea Kuzman, Assistant Gallery Director and Senior Curator, below.

BW: How would you describe the entries of this year’s Mosman Youth Art Prize?

AK: The calibre of artwork is always high. We are always thrilled to see just how much imagination, creativity and skill the entrants have. It’s always brilliant to see how they focus on different themes whether it’s beloved pets, identity, family or admiration of the landscape.

BW: What do you think encourages young artists to enter?

AK: It takes courage to enter, first of all, and we admire the way kids put their craft and creativity into the public eye. The idea of being professionally hung and in a regional gallery is an exciting prospect for those entering. It’s certainly a moment of great achievement for the exhibitors.

BW: What are some of the considerations during installation – what do you look for, and how long does the process take?

AK: It’s an interesting and lengthy process. We’re dealing with hundreds of works, all ranging in size, colour palette and theme. Which means the curation can take up to a week of tweaking – just familiarising yourself with the works and getting a feel for the different pairings that feel like they are in dialogue with one another.

BW: Tell us about this year’s judge and what they’re looking for.

AK: The judging process takes course over a day. This year’s judge is the 2023 winner of the Mosman Art Prize, David Griggs. With most judges it’s a combination of what speaks to them, and the skill and creativity involved.

BW: What do you feel it is about the local geography and community that inspires artists, and art?

AK: Our local area greatly influences the output of art. It’s fantastic to see so much nature and admiration of the landscape reflected in contemporary art. The scenes around our area inspire young artists and give them vistas that perhaps encourage artists to depict a likeness. It also gives them the chance to reimagine and recreate scenes they’re familiar with.

BW: The prize was established by the great Ken Done. Has it remained true to his vision?

AK: The prize has remained steadfast to Ken’s vision some 30+ years ago – an exhibition of the calibre of the Mosman Art Prize – that has a significant impact on a young person’s artistic career. We’re proud that The Youth Art Prize has also been a wonderful launching pad for artists who felt encouraged pursued a career in the arts such as Alex Seton, Laura Jones, Natasha Walsh and JD Reforma.

The Mosman Youth Art Prize runs from Saturday 29^th March until Sunday 4^th May, at the Mosman Art Gallery. It is a free exhibition.