Saving art from the skip _{by Alessia Belsito-Riera}

Artstart Foundation began with a dream: to make sure talented young creatives didn’t give up on their art after school and ensure their work wasn’t relegated to storage – or worse, the school skip.

In their first programme held outside Ōtautahi, Artstart invited Wellington secondary school artists aged 15 to 18 to submit their best works. From the submissions, the top 60 were chosen and will be exhibited at Wellington Chambers until the 8^th of July. The exhibition provides the students with a platform to connect with collectors and other creatives and an opportunity to showcase their work in a professional, mana-enhancing way.

“The Artstart Foundation provides financial support and professional framing for the students’ original artworks and limited-edition prints, with profits going directly to the artists,” Artstart Wellington regional manager Fiona Waitere says. The exhibition also features guest artists and offers a scholarship for one artist on opening night.

The collection includes digital illustration, painting, print, and photography. “Our students’ work delves into a range of themes, from exploring their own identity and experiences, to capturing moments of beauty amongst the communities around them,” Waitere continues, saying there are also many works about finding stillness amongst our fast-paced world.

“Artstart is about celebrating the creative diversity of young, emerging artists. It is our hope that visitors to the exhibition connect with our cause, connect with our artists’ work, and drive ongoing conversations about our programme and our artists.”