Voting for the 2024 Artforce Brisbane Awards People’s Choice Award is officially open, inviting residents to support their favourite public artworks. Among the standout entries this year are three striking submissions from Corinda and Graceville—“St Aidan’s Spirit” by Sarah Warburton and Kaylee Leo, “Little Critters” by Isabella Gawthorne, and “Love Letter” by Mia Slater.
These pieces, alongside dozens of other artworks from across Brisbane, are now competing for the coveted People’s Choice Award.
Celebrating Public Art in Brisbane
The Artforce Brisbane Awards is an annual celebration of creative expression, recognising outstanding artworks displayed across the city’s traffic signal and Energex boxes. Open to artists of all ages, the awards celebrate the unique stories and perspectives of Brisbane’s communities. The 2023 awards, held on 8 May 2024, featured winning entries across multiple categories, including the highly regarded People’s Choice Award.
Past winners include Gabrielle Oliffe’s “Roll with It” from Hamilton (2023 People’s Choice) and Tara Hooppell’s “Our Ekka” from Windsor (2023 Overall Winner). This year, a fresh wave of artists from various suburbs, including South Brisbane, Indooroopilly, Stafford, and Mt Gravatt, have brought their creativity to the forefront.
Corinda and Graceville Entries Take Centre Stage
“St Aidan’s Spirit” – Corinda
Created by Sarah Warburton and Kaylee Leo, this artwork at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School captures the vibrant and creative spirit of its students. Featuring their handprints, the piece connects the present with the past, honouring the world’s earliest artists. The colours reflect the school’s identity and the unity of its school houses, making it a deeply meaningful addition to Corinda’s public art landscape.
“Love Letter” – Corinda
Artist Mia Slater brings a heartfelt tribute to Corinda with “Love Letter,” located at Oxley Rd and Nelson St. Inspired by vintage Valentine’s Day illustrations from the 1930s-60s, the artwork celebrates the charm of Corinda’s classic architecture and natural beauty. Featuring flowers, butterflies, and a nostalgic design, ‘Love Letter’ expresses gratitude for the city and aims to bring joy to all who pass by.
“Little Critters” – Graceville
Artist Isabella Gawthorne takes a playful approach with “Little Critters,” located at the intersection of Oxley Rd and Graceville Ave. This lively, abstract piece highlights the native wildlife and domestic animals found in Graceville and surrounding Brisbane suburbs. With bold colours and quirky forms, the artwork invites viewers into a whimsical world, reminding them to appreciate the animals that share their community.
Other Entries Across Brisbane
Beyond Corinda and Graceville, other remarkable entries in this year’s competition include:
- “Polynesian Voyagers” by Loren Waith (Inala)
- “Brisbane Birdsong” by Brisbane South State Secondary College Art Club (Dutton Park)
- “Your Mountain Awaits!” by Kylie Smart & family (Mt Gravatt)
- “The Brisbane Transbox(port)” by Tom Truong (Brisbane City)
- “Cafe Dog” by Lucy Ruigrok (Indooroopilly)
- “Jacaranda Lullaby” by Julia Pham (Auchenflower)
With a diverse range of themes, from community connections to nature and urban landscapes, Brisbane’s artists continue to enrich the city’s streetscape with creativity and storytelling.
How to Vote
Residents can support their favourite artwork by casting their votes online via the Artforce Brisbane website. Voting for the People’s Choice Award is open now and closes on 28 February 2025.
By participating, residents not only celebrate local artists but also contribute to fostering Brisbane’s vibrant public art scene.
Published 12-Feb-2025