The People’s Choice Awards for this year’s ARTDECKO exhibition – an exhibition of skateboard art by local young people on the Beaches aged 12-24 has been announced.
This year 346 young people signed up for ARTDECKO and 2,368 votes tallied for the U/18 and O/18 People’s Choice Awards.
Northern Beaches Mayor said the annual event is a very popular youth program producing some incredible designs from emerging artists.
“ARTDECKO allows young people to express their creativity, display their artistic ability and then exhibit their finished piece alongside established and emerging artists across the Beaches,” Mayor Regan said.
“This program came at a pivotal time during Mental Health Month where young people were doing their best in what was a difficult time.
“Skateart is more popular than ever with the number of entrants almost doubling to previous years. The exhibition was made possible with a new online platform due to lockdown which is a first in the program’s history.
“And a special shout out to the Northern Beaches Youth Advisory Group who were heavily involved in the concept, delivery, and promotion of the event which was vital to its success.”
The People’s Choice and runners up of this year’s competition are:
Over 18’s:
Aleta Wassell
Burumerring Yanung (Wedge-Tailed Eagle Looking/Watching – pronounced boo-roo-meh-ring yah-noo-ng)
Over 18’s runners-up:
Jordan Lee – Skull Candy
Dane Bousfield – KFC Killers
Lucia Talbert – Just Walkin
Under 18’s:
Melissa Lamarque
My lockdown buddy
Under-18’s runners up:
Finlay Powell – A deck of cards
Aarohi Bansal – Ghibli Films
Monique Wassell – The water, land and their stories
Over 18’s People’s Choice Winner, 19-year-old Aleta Wassell from Cromer said she was proud to share her story and her culture as a proud Darkinjung woman.
“This work is about the Burumerring that guides me through life and supports me through my decisions and lessons,” Ms Wassell said.
“The spirit of a bird that soars so free will always be an inspiration of mine that sits close to my heart. It is a constant reminder to take a second away from my busy day to check in on my loved ones, to help a stranger out, show some kindness and most of all do something small for myself.
I hope to give away a few of the skate decks to young Aboriginal kids learning to skate.”
Under 18’s People Choice Winner, 17-year-old Melissa Lamarque from Killarney Heights said her design was inspired by the companionship of her dog during the Sydney lockdown.
“This design is inspired by the Sydney lockdown and the relief that my dog provided when we went on long walks together within the Northern Beaches,” Ms Lamarque said.
“Her undivided attention and cuddles really helped me power through these difficult times. We kept each other sane and fit while looking out for each other’s mental health.”
In addition to the weekly giveaways, the People’s Choice winners will receive five customised skateboard decks with their prints on them, courtesy of Skater HQ, who are long time partners with Council on this event.
“Congratulations to all the winners, enjoy your prizes and we look forward to seeing what amazing designs our local young people produce next year,” Mayor Regan said.
Council would like to thank local partner organisations, One Eighty, SkaterHQ and Surf Paints for their collaboration in making this exhibition successful.