Sydney’s budding young artists are being urged to hop to it and put pen to paper for a 2023 Year of the Rabbit drawing competition, with the winning designs to be transformed into larger than life lunar lanterns.
Colourful drawings by five youngsters aged five to 12 will be made into the illuminated lanterns, which will be displayed at inner-city locations as part of the City of Sydney’s 2023 Sydney Lunar Festival.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the selected drawings will help bring the city to life in delightful, joyous and potentially humorous ways during this popular family celebration.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to draw on the imaginations of our young citizens and mark such a special time of the year that brings together family and friends,” said the Lord Mayor.
“I love that we can celebrate the centuries old tradition of illuminated lunar lanterns to showcase the unique perspectives and wonderful talent of Sydney’s young people and decorate our city’s streets.”
“Earlier this year, Sydney’s youngsters helped us mark the Year of the Tiger with inspirational artworks on display throughout the city. I’m delighted to see this creative opportunity return as part of our famous Lunar Lanterns display for the Year of the Rabbit in 2023.
“Traditionally, the rabbit is a symbol of great luck and good fortune, which I’m sure will be welcomed by our residents, visitors and local businesses as we look ahead to a prosperous new year and a strong economic post-Covid recovery,” said the Lord Mayor.
The 2023 drawing competition follows the success of the inaugural campaign, which saw the artworks of six young Sydney artists take centre stage at this year’s Sydney Lunar Festival. Their colourful Year of the Tiger illustrations were displayed on street banners, bus shelters, billboards and online.
Ten-year-old Chloe saw her Sleeping Tiger winning entry transformed into lunar lanterns that took pride of place beside the Sydney Town Hall steps throughout the festival.
“I had lots of fun while drawing my artwork. When I heard that I was one of the winners I was so happy,” said Chloe. “It was such a wonderful thing that a lantern version of my artwork was on display at Town Hall.”
“I took lots of pictures with my family and I was really proud to see people taking pictures in front of my artwork. I strongly recommend other kids have a go at entering the competition. It was a great experience I will always remember,” said Chloe.
The City of Sydney invites illustrators aged five to 12 years to share their best bunny designs by 31 May to be in the running. Please make sure you read the terms and conditions before entering.
Entrants can submit up to three drawings using the online entry form by 5.00pm (Sydney time) on Tuesday 31 May 2022. As well as having their work displayed, each winner will receive a $150 gift card from Riot Art & Craft.
For more information, entry guidelines and entry, visit: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au for details. The 2023 Sydney Lunar Festival runs from 21 January to 5 February.
Image: Year of the Rabbit Lunar Lantern – courtesy of City of Sydney