The Coast’s largest shopping centre will be turned into an interactive art canvas thanks to the region’s brightest young minds.
Sunshine Plaza has launched Sunshine Arts Fest, a competition for high school students that provides the community with the opportunity to interact with art installations using augmented reality (AR).
The initiative is in partnership with headspace Maroochydore and will aim to raise awareness of the importance of youth mental health and wellbeing.
Six successful schools will be guided through the creative process by artist ambassador Sarah Sculley to make a visually engaging installation that enhances their storytelling through an AR experience.
The theme for this year’s competition is Let the Sunshine In.
“I am delighted to be part of Sunshine Arts Fest as we celebrate the next generation of creatives and encourage them to explore new digital skills that can be transferred into jobs of the future,” Ms Sculley said.
“There are not many opportunities to play in this space so having a local creative competition with a generous prize pool is really exciting and I look forward to working with the six successful schools to showcase how AR can create a truly interactive experience for visitors to Sunshine Plaza.”
The installations will be displayed at Sunshine Plaza from June. Independent judges, as well as votes from the public, will determine the winning schools, who will share in the $5000 prize pool.
“Since opening our doors in 1994, Sunshine Plaza has always been a place where the Coast connects – whether it’s the community enjoying the region’s premier retail, dining, entertainment, and tourism destination, encouraging dance and music through five years of the Breakthru school competition or offering activations, sustainable initiatives and community services,” centre manager Michael Manwaring said.
“Sunshine Arts Fest creates a new opportunity for the centre to contribute to the creativity of students, encouraging emerging technologies and providing a platform for our bright young minds to engage with the broader community.”
High schools within the Sunshine Coast can submit their applications online to be considered for one of the six places available. Applications must be received by February 28.
For every online vote received as part of Sunshine Arts Fest $1 will be donated to support local youth art programs.
For more information and to apply online click here.
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