BOUDDI FOUNDATION NEWS
MARCH 17, 2026
COAST COMMUNITY NEWS ARTICLE March 30,2026
2026 Coast Next Gen Art Exhibition
The University of Newcastle’s 2026 Coast Next Gen Art Exhibition, showcasing the exceptional creative talents of 25 HSC graduates from 10 schools on the Central Coast, opened at Gosford Regional Library on March 13.
Now in its fourth year, the exhibition runs until Friday, April 10, during library opening hours.
It is being hosted by the University at the new Gosford Regional Library for the first time, giving locals the chance to see the work of up-and-coming artists in the new space.
Five winning artists were announced on opening night, selected by a panel of judges for their outstanding artworks.
The Bouddi Foundation of the Arts Award of $1,000 went to Grace Roberts of Gosford High for her artwork In Balance With This Life, This Death.
The University of Newcastle Art Collection Acquisitive award (a $500 gift certificate) was won by Aamon Smith of St Edwards College for his work Vanitas.
The work will be acquired by the University Gallery and added to its nationally recognised art collection.
Elouise Lanna of Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College won the Packing Room Prize (a limited edition Indigenous print) for her artwork Sine Voce; Sine Vita (Without Voice; Without Life).
Eckersleys’ highly commended award (Eckersley’s prizepack and $100 gift voucher) went to Jessica Dowling of Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College for her piece Generational Imprints and the Curator’s Commendation award (limited edition Indigenous print) went to Charlotte Budge of St Philips Christian College for her artwork Regarding Perfection and Stanley Ferlazzo of Kincumber High for his piece Alloyed Tomb.
Executive Dean of the University of Newcastle’s Central Coast Campus, Professor Michael Bowyer, said the exhibition was an opportunity for the University to connect with the Coast community while supporting local talent. “The University of Newcastle is committed to investing in the Central Coast and its people,” he said.“With the University’s new Gosford Central Building on Mann St now complete, it is fitting to host this exhibition at the Gosford Regional Library in the centre of town. “It reflects our long-term commitment to expanding higher education on the Coast and providing opportunities for community engagement.”
University of Newcastle Galleries Curator Gillean Shaw said the exhibition pulled together the best art by HSC graduates across the Coast. “It would not be possible without the dedicated support of our local schools and teachers,” she said. “It’s a highlight of the year and is always inspiring to see young talent on the Coast shine.”
The free exhibition is supported by the University of Newcastle Gallery, Central Coast Council, Bouddi Foundation for the Arts, and Eckersleys.
Bouddi Foundation for the Arts representative and Central Coast Council Art Galleries Curator, Joanna O’Toole, said the Foundation was proud to partner with the University. “The Coast Next Gen Art Exhibition boasts amazing talent across so many art forms,” she said. “Being part of the selection committee was a challenge because the standard was so high.So, congratulations to all participating students.”
Grace Roberts with her winning artwork
COAST COMMUNITY NEWS ARTICLE March 30,2026
2026 Coast Next Gen Art Exhibition
The University of Newcastle’s 2026 Coast Next Gen Art Exhibition, showcasing the exceptional creative talents of 25 HSC graduates from 10 schools on the Central Coast, opened at Gosford Regional Library on March 13.
Now in its fourth year, the exhibition runs until Friday, April 10, during library opening hours.
It is being hosted by the University at the new Gosford Regional Library for the first time, giving locals the chance to see the work of up-and-coming artists in the new space.
Five winning artists were announced on opening night, selected by a panel of judges for their outstanding artworks.
The Bouddi Foundation of the Arts Award of $1,000 went to Grace Roberts of Gosford High for her artwork In Balance With This Life, This Death.
The University of Newcastle Art Collection Acquisitive award (a $500 gift certificate) was won by Aamon Smith of St Edwards College for his work Vanitas.
The work will be acquired by the University Gallery and added to its nationally recognised art collection.
Elouise Lanna of Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College won the Packing Room Prize (a limited edition Indigenous print) for her artwork Sine Voce; Sine Vita (Without Voice; Without Life).
Eckersleys’ highly commended award (Eckersley’s prizepack and $100 gift voucher) went to Jessica Dowling of Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College for her piece Generational Imprints and the Curator’s Commendation award (limited edition Indigenous print) went to Charlotte Budge of St Philips Christian College for her artwork Regarding Perfection and Stanley Ferlazzo of Kincumber High for his piece Alloyed Tomb.
Executive Dean of the University of Newcastle’s Central Coast Campus, Professor Michael Bowyer, said the exhibition was an opportunity for the University to connect with the Coast community while supporting local talent. “The University of Newcastle is committed to investing in the Central Coast and its people,” he said.“With the University’s new Gosford Central Building on Mann St now complete, it is fitting to host this exhibition at the Gosford Regional Library in the centre of town. “It reflects our long-term commitment to expanding higher education on the Coast and providing opportunities for community engagement.”
University of Newcastle Galleries Curator Gillean Shaw said the exhibition pulled together the best art by HSC graduates across the Coast. “It would not be possible without the dedicated support of our local schools and teachers,” she said. “It’s a highlight of the year and is always inspiring to see young talent on the Coast shine.”
The free exhibition is supported by the University of Newcastle Gallery, Central Coast Council, Bouddi Foundation for the Arts, and Eckersleys.
Bouddi Foundation for the Arts representative and Central Coast Council Art Galleries Curator, Joanna O’Toole, said the Foundation was proud to partner with the University. “The Coast Next Gen Art Exhibition boasts amazing talent across so many art forms,” she said. “Being part of the selection committee was a challenge because the standard was so high.So, congratulations to all participating students.”
Grace Roberts with her winning artwork
FEBRUARY 21, 2026
A Central Vision 2026
"A Central Vision 2026" is an annual exhibition at the Gosford Regional Gallery showcasing artworks by Central Coast public secondary school students (Years 7–12)
Winners of the Bouddi Arts Foundation awards:
Faith Porter - Yr 12 Narara Valley High- Painting
Cecilia Young - Yr 12 Gosford High school - Collection of works.
A Central Vision 2026
"A Central Vision 2026" is an annual exhibition at the Gosford Regional Gallery showcasing artworks by Central Coast public secondary school students (Years 7–12)
Winners of the Bouddi Arts Foundation awards:
Faith Porter - Yr 12 Narara Valley High- Painting
Cecilia Young - Yr 12 Gosford High school - Collection of works.
NOVEMBER 9, 2025
Showcase Awards
The Bouddi Foundation for the Arts 2025 Showcase Awards was held on Sunday, 9 November 2025, at Ettalong Diggers on the Central Coast, NSW. The event celebrates 52 young local artists awarded grants up to $5,000, including a new $10,000 overseas study scholarship, totalling over $97,750 to support their creative journeys.
Showcase Awards
The Bouddi Foundation for the Arts 2025 Showcase Awards was held on Sunday, 9 November 2025, at Ettalong Diggers on the Central Coast, NSW. The event celebrates 52 young local artists awarded grants up to $5,000, including a new $10,000 overseas study scholarship, totalling over $97,750 to support their creative journeys.
