International Youth Arts Fun Festival 2025

Inspiring the next generation of global creators through art, culture and innovation

The International Youth Arts Fun Festival is a threeday (21–23 September 2025) multicultural arts and innovation program held in Melbourne’s Chinatown precinct and the Museum of Chinese Australian History. Supported by the Victorian Government, the festival brings together young artists, educators, community leaders and industry partners from Australia, the Asia–Pacific and beyond.

Through exhibitions, workshops, performances and public programs, the festival provides an accessible platform for young people to showcase their creativity, build crosscultural understanding and explore future pathways in the arts, design and creative industries.

By engaging youth artists from Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Singaporean, Vietnamese and other culturally diverse communities, the festival directly contributes to Victoria’s multicultural policy objectives, creative industries strategy and social cohesion priorities. It also strengthens Melbourne’s position as a global city for culture, innovation and international education.

Distinguished Guests' Addresses

Ms. Sheena Watt MP

Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly
She fully affirmed the festival's social value: "Art is a bridge connecting diverse cultures and communities. The Victorian Government remains committed to supporting multicultural development, creating more opportunities for young artists to shine on the global stage."
Mr. Tommy Shao

Honorary President of the International Arts, Culture and Creativity Association (IACCA)
He emphasized the festival’s key role in connecting young people worldwide and boosting cultural innovation, noting: "Youth drive cultural legacy and creativity. This festival unites cultures to deepen diversity and progress."
Mr. Mark Wang

CEO of the Chinese Museum Melbourne
In his address, he emphasized the museum’s role as a hub for cultural heritage and innovation, facilitating Sino-Australian cultural exchanges and building a diverse, inclusive society.
Dr.Ming Wu

Jury Representative
From a professional perspective, he highly commended the entries, praised young artists’ outstanding creativity and expressiveness, and noted the festival’s profound impact on nurturing future artistic talents.
Ms. Teresa Chung

Jury Representative
She specially thanked artist families for their dedication and foresight in supporting young artists' growth, emphasizing that the festival is not only a showcase platform but also a key opportunity to promote cross-cultural understanding and interest development.

Award Ceremony of the Thematic EXHIBITION

“Future Home”

The competition Invites young creators to imagine future living spaces shaped by sustainability, technology and cultural diversity, across painting, digital art, sculpture and mixedmedia works.

Outstanding participants were awarded the IAEA International Arts Excellence Award—a prestigious youth art accolade that recognises artistic excellence, originality and global citizenship. Recognised as one of Australia’s reputable youth art awards, the IAEA seeks to highlight young talents and projects that contribute to cultural exchange and social impact.

Award Recognition

The competition features 6 categories, with 1 Gold Award, 2 Silver Awards, 3 Bronze Awards and 10 Merit Awards in each category.

In addition, 9 art education institutions across Australia were presented with the Outstanding Institution Award and plaques, and 9 teachers received the Outstanding Teacher Award.

Collective Enjoyment of Artworks

Hong Kong’s Yan Ip’s new IP Plastic Thing explores material consumption and ecology through contemporary symbolic visuals.

Artist Alfred Cheng’s groundbreaking Line Drawing Series reconstructs spatial narratives with minimalist, impactful lines.

Acclaimed Australian author & CBCA-winning illustrator Zeno Sworder’s prize works depict Chinese immigrant families’ journeys in Australia, exploring cultural identity, heritage and self-discovery via warm, resonant storytelling.

Red Lion Costume Display

As a vital symbol of Chinese traditional culture, this exquisitely crafted red lion vividly interprets the full journey of cultural heritage and innovation, highlighting the profound significance of the art festival in fostering cross-cultural exchange and understanding.

More Performance & Interactive Sessions

Live Interview Coverage
The Lion Dance Performance by the Chinese Masonic Society Lion Dance Team
Vocal Performance by Miss GG
Violin Trio by Alex Chong、Dallas Xie and Annabel Chong
K-pop Performance
Art Creative Workshop

Impact, Outcomes and Future Vision

The festival aims to create longterm pathways for young people into arts, culture and creative industries by connecting them with mentors, institutions and international peers.

In addition to celebrating individual achievement, the program emphasises collaboration, wellbeing and community leadership.

Over time, the International Youth Arts Fun Festival and the International Arts Excellence Award will expand to include more international partners, regional hubs and crossborder collaborations, positioning Melbourne as the anchor city for a global youth arts network.

The festival welcomes partnerships with government agencies, education providers, cultural institutions and industry to codesign future program streams.