Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is inviting submissions from young creatives aged between 16-25 years living, working, or studying in the Goulburn Valley and Hume regions to exhibit as part of SAM Fresh 2024.

The exhibition aims to create a space within the museum’s Community Gallery that celebrates the blossoming arts scene amongst the region’s new generation of creatives. Submissions to the exhibition can be of works in any medium, and of any theme or subject.

Caroline Esbenshade, SAM Curator – Community, says of Fresh:

“We’re so excited to be presenting a new format of SAM Fresh in 2024.  We have listened to community feedback and are now opening the eligibility to a wider age group. This acknowledges that for many young people in the community that arts aren’t just for the classroom–you can have a creative outlet or passionate hobby outside of school or work. This opportunity creates a platform for young local artists to share their experiences and perspective of the world and hopefully will foster a lifelong engagement with the arts.”

An information session for those interested in learning more about SAM Fresh will be held at SAM on 8 February 2024 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Applications for SAM Fresh can be submitted via the SAM website from 13 January, and close on 18 March. Learn more about SAM Fresh via the SAM website: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/whats-on/upcoming/sam-fresh-2024/

SAM Fresh 2024 Details:

• Open to creatives aged 16-25 years
• Applicants must be living, working or studying in the Goulburn Valley or Hume Region.

Applications open: 13 January 2024

Applications close: 18 March 2024

Application guidelines on the SAM Website: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SAM-FRESH-2024_Guidelines.pdf

Information session: 8 February 2024, 5.30 to 6.30pm. RSVP: https://events.humanitix.com/sam-fresh-information-session

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is located on Yorta Yorta Country, Shepparton, Victoria.

As a leading Australian regional art museum, SAM showcases its exhibitions and collections in new and exciting ways to create a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging space for all visitors.

Recognised for its significant Australian ceramics collection and nationally significant collection of Indigenous art, SAM’s programming is designed to be locally relevant and engages with global contemporary ideas. Through its exhibitions, collection, programs and events, SAM creates a place where art helps us to better understand the ancient culture of this country and contemporary multicultural Australia.

Featured image: SAM Fresh, installation view, Shepparton Art Museum, 2021. Photo: Cam Matheson