An exhibition at the Wollongong Art gallery is giving young Illawarra artists a reason to stay local by offering a platform to showcase their work.
HERE + NOW V: Theres no place like home features artists under the age of 30 exploring the meaning of home through the mediums of oils, textiles, and drawings, offering young artists an entry point into a challenging industry.
After this showcase, the HERE + NOW program will open to all emerging artists regardless of age.
Exhibiting artist Jessica Martin, said the cost of living makes it hard to sustain an art career anywhere, but programs like this encourage connection and inspiration locally.
“You don’t have to move to a big city to make it, there’s so many artists living in the Illawarra that are successful and make it feel like you can be successful in the Illawarra too,” Ms Martin said.
Curator of the exhibition Matthew Grayson, said the program helps young artists to network, gain exhibition experience and a sense of belonging in the Illawarra.
“It proves that you don’t need to leave to be a part of a thriving contemporary art community,” Mr Grayson said.
Although the Illawarra has various programs in place to support young artists, full time positions for artistic professions are scarce
The lack of exposure makes it difficult for emerging artists to break into the scene and gain broader recognition.
According to Creative Australia’s 2010 Report, the median age of an artist is 47 years old and 20 per cent of artistic occupations are held by those aged 55 and over.
The exhibition is free entry at the Wollongong Art Gallery until the 23rd of November 2025.
