WELCOME


The annualĀ Top Arts exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria is a celebration of the creativity and talent of young artists across the state. Now in its thirtieth year, the exhibition showcases outstanding work created by students who have completed VCE Art Making and Exhibiting and VCE Creative Practice.

In 2024 we are excited to present an exhibition which reveals the creativity, innovation and insight of the top performing students of the year.

How to apply

Applications can be made via this website from 9am, Friday 1 September 2023.

Register and complete the online form by midnight, Sunday 22 October 2023. You will need to provide information about yourself and your work of art and upload up to five photographs of it.

Selection criteria

Exemplary resolved artworks and folio/support material are selected from a range of media, themes and approaches based on their demonstration of the following criteria:

  • fulfil the assessment criteria for VCE Creative Practice or VCE Art Making and Exhibiting
  • strong conceptual development
  • imaginative and individual qualities
  • technical excellence
  • an awareness of aesthetic considerations
  • an awareness of past and contemporary art practices

Works must also fulfil the following technical requirements:

  • be appropriate for public exhibition
  • fit exhibition constraints including space and safe weight restrictions
  • be suitable for display purposes in regard to fragility and power needs and stable enough to be shown for the duration of the exhibition, for example, works on paper must be suitable for mounting, framing or pinning.
  • have copyright clearance for all non-original material usedEmail us at topartsenquiries@ngv.vic.gov.au if you are having trouble.

Email us at topartsenquiries@ngv.vic.gov.au if you are having trouble.

If you’ve applied, thank you! All application forms saved here by students will be assessed by the jurors for shortlisting.

The shortlisting process will be completed by mid-late November 2023. All applicants will be notified of shortlist results at that time.

Email us at topartsenquiries@ngv.vic.gov.au if you need help regarding your application or this system.