National Gallery Youth Council

Are you passionate about art and community? Get involved and help shape the way young Australians connect through art!

The National Gallery Youth Council is a group of dynamic young creatives aged 15 to 25 years who represent and advocate for young people at the National Gallery.

Recruited annually from all over Australia, the group meet online monthly and work with Gallery staff and artists to develop and deliver programs for their peers – onsite, online and on tour.

ALFIE GRAY
ACT, He/him

I am a lover of the arts and hope that through the National Gallery Youth Council I will be able to help foster connections between other like-minded people. I feel a strong connection to the NGA, having taken part in their previous Summer Art Scholarship and am now volunteering with Sensory Sunday, a community for neurodivergent people interested in the arts. I love portraying beauty and humanity through art, as well as discussions of artists throughout history. I am excited to see what the Youth Council can achieve this year!

ALICE JORDAN
VIC

I am an artist and aspiring curator located in Kulin country, Melbourne Australia. I have recently graduated with my Bachelor of Fine Art, specialising in Sculpture at RMIT, but previously spent my schooling years overseas in Dubai, where I developed a deep love for art and culture. I love how we can use art to better understand and connect with each other and am excited about the prospect of helping more young people feel supported and engaged in the creative world. I work primarily with casting processes to create and replicate impressions of the body, largely influenced by traditional sculptural methods. As such I draw inspiration from my interest in the history of the body and its gendered framework with a strong emphasis on female narratives.

ANGELO VON MÖLLER
VIC, He/him

I am the former Deputy Youth Premier of Victoria. I am passionate about the arts, specifically Art History and Art Conservation. I am also passionate about youth advocacy and have previously served on the National Gallery of Victoria Teen Council in 2018, Heide MoMA Youth Advisory Committee from 2019 - 2023 and am currently on the United States Embassy's Youth Advisory Council. I love spending time in my garden back home in Melbourne and playing my cello, which I played in the Melbourne Youth Orchestras for seven years.

CHARLOTTE RICHARDS
NSW

I represent and advocate for young creatives who live with a disability. I connect with and appreciate art that represents minorities and humanitarian issues within society. I am excited to continue my role in the National Gallery Youth Council for another year because I am passionate about the Arts how they can help young people express themselves and connect with each other. The National Gallery Youth Council opportunity has inspired me to seek out different paths and explore different ideas.

CLAUDIA HUNT
ACT, She/her

I’m a university student who is passionate about art and literature, and my study of the latter has given me new ways of looking at and appreciating the former. I want to make art, especially Australian art, interesting and accessible for young people, who are essential for the continuation of Australia’s artistic tradition. Too often I talk to people who aren’t familiar with the work of Australian artists, and I hope that by joining the National Gallery Youth Council I can bring their incredible art to a new generation. I know how valuable it has been in my life, and I want to share that with as many people as I can.

ELLIOT BROWN
VIC

Hello! I'm Elliot, a non-binary multidisciplinary artist from Yuin country living and creating in Naarm (Melbourne). I've been engaged with the NGA for some time now and I plan to use my role in the council to connect more young and queer people with themselves and others through our national resources. Art has been a vital tool for me in so many aspects of my life, and I want as many people as possible to be able to unlock that tool within themselves.

EZEKIEL KEMMIS
ACT, He/him

I am 19 years old and currently living on Ngunnawal/Ngambri land where I am completing tertiary study in fashion design at the Canberra Institute of Technology. I grew up in rural Australia where art became an important outlet for exploring my own identity and forming personal ideologies. I have a keen interest in visual and performing arts, most specifically within the disciplines of fashion and drag artistry. I identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community, being both queer and transgender (ftm), and believe ardently in the importance of art in promoting both diversity, understanding and acceptance for my community.

FAITH DEVLIN
SA, They/them/theirs

I am a passionate and forward art student and am deeply connected to the communities in my life. Being on the Regional Youth Taskforce last year, my involvement with regional galleries and art programs has been one of the best and most illuminating experiences to date. I'm born and raised in rural NSW, so the importance of artistic programs is something that I know can make vast positive changes in our most marginalised communities. I am a strong advocate and leader and am ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with the National Gallery Youth Council to bring around effective and creative programs for everyone in Australia.

GIORDANA GENERO
VIC, She/her

Originally from rural Victoria, I am a Bachelor of Design student going into my third year at the Australian National University. I started my own photography and surface design business in January 2022, and have a great passion for the arts. I have always been creative and had an interest in pushing the boundaries. I have a great desire to show the world new and innovative processes and forms of art. I am very excited to be part of the 2024 team and I’m really looking forward to collaborating with everyone on our projects and goals.

GRACE LUSTRI
ACT, She/her

Ciao! I am a Canberra based artist/writer, with a Bachelor in Art History and Curatorship (ANU). I have worked as a youth mentor in Catholic schools, igniting creativity and hope in the next generation of Aussies. I am passionate about mental health advocacy and using art to heal individuals and communities. Being before an artwork; either on a wall, in a pre-loved exhibition catalogue or on a screen, has the simple power to transform a single mindset. The NGA has a treasury of artworks and stories awaiting youth to connect with. I look forward to being on the 2024 National Gallery Youth Council, to help do just this!

HOPE YATES
SA

I enjoy engaging and being a part of the arts at all times, from being a member of site crew for a music festival to working the bar at an art exhibition. My passion for art comes from my love of expression and individuality; I feel that it's such an exciting thing getting to create, participate and consume the ideas and interpretations of those around us. I work in Events and production, getting to explore the different sides of theatre and live events. In my spare time I explore what the city of Adelaide has to offer with my friends and love creating new memories and adventures.

HUGH MAGNUS
VIC, He/him

I am a writer and curator based in Narrm/Melbourne, living and working on Wurundjeri Country. Originally from nipaluna/Hobart, I have held prior advisory positions with the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and the Tasmanian Government, and currently advise the City of Hobart on heritage policy. I am passionate about expanding access to art in rural and regional areas, especially introducing Contemporary and Indigenous art to new audiences.

HUGO BUSKENS
NSW, He/him

Hi I’m Hugo, a 16 year old school student who has recently started Year 12. I love art and more specifically drawing, and I’m drawn to modern artists and art that depict the figure. Back when I was younger, I never really appreciated art galleries and art but my mum still forced me to go. Over time I started to learn the stories of artists and from this my passion grew as I was engrossed into the world of others. I am passionate and excited to be a part of the National Gallery Youth Council in 2024. I can’t wait to learn about the world of others.

ISABELLA CREES
WA

I am in my final year of my undergraduate degree, studying Political Science and International Relations. A common problem today is how we can learn to communicate more effectively, seek to understand others' lived experiences and help to celebrate intersectionality better. With this, I am empowered by how we can use art as a vehicle for change. I am motivated by my experience of having lived both in rural and metropolitan areas, where I witnessed first-hand the stark divide in accessibility to the art world. This fuels my desire to promote and ensure programs are accessible and inclusive to all. 

MACKENZIE LEE
ACT, They/them

I am a queer, multi-racial young adult currently living and working on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands. As somebody with mixed Larrakia, Wardaman, and Karrajari blood, as well as Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and Anglo-Australian ancestry, writing is not just a hobby or a passion; it’s the tool that allows me to express my voice, my thoughts, and my experiences. I am excited for the opportunity to help other youths find artistic ways to express themselves in a space that is safe, patient, and accepting, and to be part of the voice of young people in the wider art community.

MAEVE SULLIVAN
NSW

I am happy to continue working as a member the National Gallery Youth Council to collaborate with other passionate diverse young people navigating art, their careers and the greater world. Upon my gap year unsure about what pathway to pursue, I became more involved within my regional arts scene. This not only opened my eyes to the possibility of a creative career but the possibility for the arts to become even more accessible and inclusive. Within this role, I am excited to merge my passions of art, leadership and advocacy. Young people like myself are empowered to create a cycle of art triggering community action and change.

MATHILDE PEACE
NSW

I have just finished school and am really excited to use this time to further explore my love for art and be part of a group with the potential to do so much good. I have lived all around the world and love the multicultural aspects of art that make it so interesting and inclusive. I always enjoy a trip to the gallery and constantly find myself attracted to new forms and unique artistic experiences. I myself enjoy oil painting and drawing, skills I hope to enhance with the free time I have inherited. I also love sport, music and reading and often spend my free time with family and friends. 

MAX SANDLER
NT

I’m always curious and I love to meet different people and hear their stories. After finishing school in Melbourne, I’ve travelled, worked and studied in many places, most recently Alice Springs, NT. I enjoy being in and around art spaces, and I would like to work towards engaging more young people to do so too. I am particularly interested in innovating ways that institutions can broaden their audiences. In my spare time, I love to read a good book, go for a bush-walk or do some photography. I’m very excited for the National Gallery Youth Council!

MICHELLE IZRAILOV
VIC, She/her

I am a student from Naarm studying a Bachelor of Art History and Curatorship/Bachelor of Laws at the Australian National University. I have always felt deeply connected to and passionate about art, with many of my formative memories being created in gallery spaces or while completing works with my parents. I am staunchly passionate about celebrating all the various forms of engagement with art and facilitating participation in and access to it for all people. I could not be more thrilled to champion these sentiments with the Youth Council.

MUHSINA AHMAD
ACT, She/her

I am an emerging artist based in Canberra. Art has always been my way of expressing myself, to add some brightness to the world, and to make a statement - especially through my identity as a first generation Australian and queer woman. I have been attending the Canberra Institute of Technology and will be completing my diploma of visual arts in 2024. I am eager to join the National Gallery Youth Council in 2024 and engage young Australians in the art scene.

NAOMI-JON REDSHAW
QLD, She/her

I am an artist, freelance teacher and graphic designer that draws inspiration from my hometown, Gladstone, Queensland, which has led me to focus on creating connections for others in line with mental health awareness and Climate Change, through my artistic practice. Whether that be from my personal artworks, marketing campaigns for Australian Small Businesses and/or teaching art programs, online and in-person. I hope to continue and expand my focus on bringing creatives together through diverse programs that become and stay, safe and inclusive places for all across the nation, online and in-person.

OTTO WILKINSON POWRIE
ACT, He/him

I am a dedicated artist from Canberra, born into a family deeply rooted in art, design, and cultural engagement. Exposure to diverse cultures has shaped my profound understanding of the arts. A graduate of the Big Picture Academy, specializing in visual art and teaching, I've engaged in projects from perfumery to mid-century modern design. Passionate about rectifying the undervaluation of art in schools, I aspire to bridge gaps in art education. My extensive leadership, artistic skill, understanding of neurodivergence, and experience with children uniquely position me to contribute vibrancy to the National Gallery Youth Council.

RILEY CURTAIN
ACT, He/him

I am a 20-year-old art lover and student, with a background working in commercial galleries. With experience advocating for youth perspectives in areas from health infrastructure to climate change, I am passionate about expanding access to high-quality art to regional and socio-economically disadvantaged communities. Collaborating with the smaller states and territories, and directly with artists, galleries and educators forms an integral part of what I’d like to bring to the NGA Youth Council. Art is for everyone!

RUSSELL COOPER
QLD

I am a recently graduated 17-year-old who is passionate about art. I believe that art is one our most important pieces of history, and not just a form of self-expression. I love immersing in all different art forms, and art that increases self-awareness, and also allows me to be open to new ideas and experiences. I am more than excited to be part of the National Galley Youth Council in 2024, and I am ready to embark and this new adventure!