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Young artists hop to it for Year of the Rabbit competition

We’re calling on Sydney’s junior creatives to help us celebrate Sydney Lunar Festival 2023.

Year of the Rabbit Lunar Lantern kids competition

We’re drawing on the talents of young Sydneysiders to brighten our city centre during next year’s Sydney Lunar Festival.

To help us celebrate the lucky Year of the Rabbit in 2023, we’ve opened a new drawing competition for 5 to 12-year-olds to create festive, fun rabbit designs.

The winning designs will be transformed into larger than life illuminated lunar lanterns and displayed throughout the inner-city.

Sydney Lunar Festival 2022 banner. Credit: Chris Southwood
Sydney Lunar Festival 2022 banner. Credit: Chris Southwood

Earlier this year, Sydney’s youngsters helped us mark the Year of the Tiger with inspirational artworks. Their colourful Year of the Tiger illustrations were displayed on street banners, bus shelters, billboards and online. It was such a success, we’ve decided to make it bigger and better for 2023.

Ten-year-old Chloe saw her Sleeping Tiger winning entry transformed into lunar lanterns that took pride of place beside the Sydney Town Hall steps throughout the festival.

“I had lots of fun while drawing my artwork. When I heard that I was one of the winners, I was so happy,” Chloe said.

“I strongly recommend other kids have a go at entering the competition. It was a great experience I will always remember.

“It was such a wonderful thing that a lantern version of my artwork was on display at Town Hall. I took lots of pictures with my family and I was really proud to see people taking pictures in front of my artwork.”

Chloe and her winning Sleeping Tiger artwork. Credit: Renee Nowytarger
Chloe and her winning Sleeping Tiger artwork. Credit: Renee Nowytarger

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the selected drawings will help bring the city to life during this popular family celebration.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to draw on the imaginations of our young citizens and mark such a special time of the year that brings together family and friends,” the Lord Mayor said.

“I love that we can celebrate the centuries old tradition of illuminated lunar lanterns to showcase the unique perspectives and wonderful talent of Sydney’s young people, while decorating our city’s streets.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore with the Year of the Tiger competition winners. Credit: Renee Nowytarger
Lord Mayor Clover Moore with the Year of the Tiger competition winners. Credit: Renee Nowytarger

We’re looking for fun and playful drawings of rabbits that are:

  • celebrating the Lunar New Year – such as holding a lucky red envelope or a lantern
  • hungry and eating your favourite Asian dish – think noodles, sushi or dumplings
  • thirsty – enjoying a bubble tea or sipping from a coconut
  • performing – like dancing, juggling or singing
  • happy and friendly – smiling, waving or laughing.

Sydney Lunar Festival kids design competition winner. Credit: Abril Felman
Sydney Lunar Festival kids design competition winner. Credit: Abril Felman

You’re welcome to share 3 different drawings of your choice, give your rabbit a name and tell us a little about your rabbit in 40 words or less.

We’re asking illustrators aged 5 to 12 years to share their best bunny designs by Tuesday 31 May to be in the running.

Visit our competition page to enter.

Published 4 May 2022

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