Nagoya Art Exchange

Kindergarten to Year 12

The Nagoya Sister City Art Exchange provides a wonderful opportunity to participate in international friendship and cultural exchange activities.

Participation in the Exchange is open to NSW public schools representing student artworks from Kindergarten to Year 12.

The Nagoya Sister City Art Exchange is held annually in November and is now in its 46th year. This international exhibition showcases student artworks from NSW alongside those from Nagoya (Japan), Los Angeles (USA), Mexico City (Mexico), Reims (France), Nanjing (China), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), and Turin (Italy).

Participating in an international exchange like the Nagoya Sister City Art Exhibition provides invaluable benefits for student artists. It offers a unique platform for them to showcase their creativity and talent on a global stage, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. Students gain exposure to diverse artistic styles and cultural perspectives, enriching their understanding of the world beyond their own communities. This exposure encourages creative thinking and cultural appreciation, crucial skills in our increasingly globalized society.

Moreover, the experience of having their work exhibited internationally can inspire students to pursue further artistic endeavours and studies. It can also enhance their portfolios, which is beneficial for future academic and professional opportunities in the arts. Engaging in such exchanges helps bridge understanding and goodwill between different cultures, promoting global citizenship and international friendships.

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Artworks on display in Nagoya, Japan

2024 artwork nomination

Applications to nominate for the 2024 Nagoya Sister City Art Exchange have now closed.

Schools are invited to nominate a maximum of 4 outstanding student artworks from their school that would be suitable for consideration for the Nagoya Sister City Art Exchange.

Selected artworks will be showcased in either:

  • Nagoya exhibition – held in Japan in November 2024 along with artworks from Nagoya, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Reims, Turin, Tashkent and Nanjing.
  • Sydney exhibition – held in Sydney at Spec Fest 2024 along with artworks from Nagoya.

Entry conditions

All works submitted for nomination in the Nagoya Art Exchange are required to meet the following requirements:

  • Artworks must be no larger than (540 mm x 390 mm) and no thicker than 5 mm with no frame.  Works that are outside these dimensions cannot be accepted for exhibitions.
  • Do not nominate framed or mounted artworks or artworks on a stretched canvas or canvas panel.
  • Artworks with earthy matter, e.g. sand, feathers etc., will not be selected due to export regulations.
  • Artworks may be horizontal (landscape) or vertical (portrait).
  • Student artists must be enrolled at a public school in New South Wales in any class from Kindergarten to Year 12 in the year of entry, and the artwork must solely be the work of the student.
  • The nomination forms need to be accompanied by a colour photo (digital) of the nominated artwork. Photos of all the pieces of a Body of Work only need to be sent. Do not send the actual artwork.
  • A selection panel will view the photos of the nominated artworks for inclusion in the exhibition. The decisions of the selection panel are final.
  • Schools will be informed of the successful nominations by Friday 23 August 2024 (Term 3 Week 5).
  • Successfully nominated artwork must be posted to The Arts Unit by Friday 20 September 2024 (Term 3 Week 9).

Students' works selected for the Nagoya Sister City Art Exchange will not be returned. Schools will instead receive an exchange of artwork from the exhibition in Nagoya and a certificate celebrating the selection of their artwork. Each selected artwork will also feature in an online exhibition.

Related digital resources

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All Arts Units programs are inclusive. If support is required to participate in the Nagoya Art Exchange program, please email susan.i.dawson@det.nsw.edu.au so we can assist.