Discover the 30 Rising Stars of Canberra's Art Scene
Canberra's art scene is buzzing with talent, and local artist Maddie Hepner has curated a list of 30 artists you should be keeping an eye on. From recycled cardboard sculptures to robotic arms made from ocean plastics, these artists are pushing boundaries and making waves in the art world.
Hepner, who grew up in both Canada and the US before moving back to Canberra as a teenager, understands the importance of supporting local artists. She says, 'I wouldn't have found art and photography in the same way in the US as I did here.' The local education system played a significant role in her artistic development, allowing her to explore photography and other art forms from a young age.
The list includes recent graduates from the ANU School of Art and Design, but it's not limited to age. Hepner says, 'These are people who have recently had really good years in terms of the work that they've been doing, their engagement with the community, as well as my own personal views on how I see their careers unfolding.'
The artists featured in the list are diverse, with some gaining gallery representation, others experimenting with new materials, and all deeply involved in Canberra's arts ecosystem. Hepner says, 'The arts community here is very tight-knit. One of the biggest assets of Canberra is that everyone is so engaged with the arts community.'
Canberra is also bidding to become a UNESCO City of Design in 2026, which would further boost the city's reputation as an artistic hub. Hepner believes that her list will help showcase Canberra's artistic talent and contribute to the city's bid for UNESCO recognition.
The list has already gained traction, with curators and others using it to discover new artists. Hepner sees this as an ongoing project, saying, 'It's not just a one-and-done. There are so many incredible artists that still need recognition for the work that they're doing, and everyone's careers fluctuate.'
To view the full list of 30 Canberra artists to watch, visit Maddie Hepner's website at https://www.maddiehepner.com/30-to-watch.
