Visual Arts 

Ellen José Student Reconciliation Awards

Bayside Council invites students to participate in the 2023 Ellen José Student Reconciliation Awards Program promoting reconciliation in Bayside. The Awards are an initiative of the Ellen José Memorial Foundation and delivered in partnership with Bayside City Council.

The Awards are held in honour of long-time resident and Torres Strait Elder Ellen José who sadly passed away in 2017. Ellen’s contribution to the arts was outstanding and she was inspirational in bringing awareness to reconciliation.

Primary school students are invited to create an artwork and secondary school students are invited to write an essay or poem responding to the following question:

As a young person, what does Reconciliation mean to you? 

Up to $500 in prize money will be awarded in each category. These awards are aimed to foster awareness of reconciliation in our young people, who are the future of Australia.

All finalists will be displayed at Bayside City Council, 76 Royal Avenue, Sandringham from 19 May to 28 July 2023. Finalists will be invited to attend the Bayside Flag Raising Ceremony to mark Reconciliation Week on Sunday, 28 May 2023 at 9.30am at Bayside City Council. We'll also be producing an online exhibition where all entrants' artworks will be on view.

Find out more on the Ellen José Student Reconciliation Awards.