Media releases

Fire up your creativity and make Sydney Lunar Festival a roaring success

Published 14 May 2023

Sydney’s next generation of young artists is being called on to create dragon-inspired art that’ll breathe fire and life into the City of Sydney’s Year of the Dragon celebrations.

Children aged 5 to 12 are invited to share their drawings for the chance to display them along George Street and in the Chinatown precinct during the 2024 Sydney Lunar Festival.

Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney, said seeing young artists featured in the festival program was always a highlight.

“I’m constantly amazed at the quality of the art Sydney’s children come up with. I’m sure this years entrants will take on this challenge with tenacity, just like the dragons born before them,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Year after year Sydney Lunar Festival boosts activity in the city and gives businesses and the community something to look forward to. I’m sure 2024 will be no different.”

For the Year of the Rabbit this year, the City of Sydney received more than 600 entries, making selecting the best artwork challenging.

10-year-old Henson Tang’s creation, Musica, was among the top entries and saw his art illuminated on a 2m-tall plinth on George Street, and as a ground decal throughout Dixon Street.

“Having my work as part of the festival was amazing! I was really happy I could be part of Sydney Lunar Festival and see my own artwork being shown in public,” Henson said.

“It’s a rare opportunity to have your own artwork displayed in the city. Anyone who likes to draw should be encouraged to join the competition.”

Young artists have until midnight on 26 June to enter online and parents are encouraged to read the terms and conditions.

The Sydney Lunar Festival will run from 10 to 25 February 2024 with street parties, lion dancing, dragon boat racing, stage and roving performers, and traditional shows among the highlights.

For media enquiries contact Andrew Booth: 0482 530 091 or email abooth@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For interviews with Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney contact Zoe Delamare. Phone 0477 263 615 or email: zdelamare@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au