Curricular Arts News

Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art

The “Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art” recognise and promote excellence in senior Visual Art education throughout Queensland’s state and non-state schools. Since 1990, the program has helped raise community awareness of the degree of sophistication in concepts, diversity of technical competence, and the high standard of Visual Art education in Queensland secondary schools. Each year schools from around the state are invited to submit up to 4 entries of senior student artworks. It was a very proud moment when in October 2025, Year 12 boarder, Cooper Seeto, was announced as one of the 40 Excellence Award winners, selected from more than 500 entries. On Saturday 28 March, the Excellence Award winners, together with their families and dignitaries gathered for the official opening of the exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art where the students were recognised for their achievements and production of such a high calibre of work.

Cooper’s collection of artworks were produced as part of his first and third internal assessments in Year 12 Visual Art last year. They depict the culture and traditions from his home in Papua New Guinea. The exhibition runs until 13 September (free entry), so next time you are at Southbank drop into the Gallery of Modern Art to view Cooper’s work; we are so thrilled for Cooper’s selection in this prestigious award.

Cooper’s Artist Statement – “Spirits of Kokopo”

Papua New Guinea is my home. It has a deep history and is known for its richness in culture and traditions. My artworks aim to share the events and customs that have shaped me. I am constantly inspired by my culture and I have an ongoing interest to learn more about my family’s customs and traditions. The Tubuan which features in my work, is an iconic masked figure which has always caught my interest. It represents a female spirit involved in rituals and dances and serves as a symbol for the Tubuans which took part in the Kututabu ceremony at a family funeral. The inclusion of the single mask brings knowledge of the many mask festivals and fire dances taking place throughout the year. It provides a sense of patriotism through the use of colour which combines the colours of the East New Britain Province and Papua New Guinean flags.”

Artwork of the Month - March

Jake Summers in Year 12 who is completing his Certificate III in Visual Art this year has received the “Artwork of the Month” award for March for the stained glass panel he has created. Jake has exhibited tremendous precision in the design and production if his panel and he has mastered some difficult skills with apparent ease (cutting glass by hand and soldering). Jake is in the process of making a timber frame to finish off his panel and we look forward to putting his work on display in the display window of the Visual Art office and the upcoming Tower Art Show later in the year.