NGV Teens Art Party

Aussie hip-hop luminaries Adrian Eagle and Krown will celebrate the power of music to spark social change when they take to the stage for the NGV Teens Art Party on Saturday 16 February. Hosted by Triple J presenter Stacy Gougoulis, the event will also feature a live performance by teenagers from Voice for Change, a community-based mentoring initiative, as well as access to summer blockbuster exhibitions Escher X nendo | Between Two Worlds and Julian Opie.

Off the back of supporting Aussie hip-hop royalty Hilltop Hoods on an international tour and having recently won an ARIA Award for Best Urban Release, Adrian Eagle uses his music to spread positivity and self-love. His struggle with mental health in his teenage years has become an important narrative in his songs, which fuse reggae, soul and hip-hop. South Sudanese-born, Melbourne-based rapper Krown creates meaningful music that tackles racial prejudice and aims to raise awareness about the obstacles faced by disenfranchised groups.

Adrian Eagle and Krown are both mentors for Voice for Change, a community-focused initiative that inspires young people to follow their dreams. Bringing together some of Australia's leading urban music, hip-hop and sporting personalities from a diverse range of backgrounds, the project promotes inclusion and acceptance, empowering youth to overcome adversity. Both artists have been working closely with Voice for Change to mentor a group of students who will share the limelight with their own Art Party performance, demonstrating how creative forms of expression can positively connect teens to each other and to their local communities.

The NGV Teens Art Party will also provide excusive after-hours access to Escher X nendo | Between Two Worlds, the first exhibition in the world to feature the extraordinary work of Dutch graphic artist M. C. Escher in dialogue with the work of acclaimed Japanese design studio nendo, led by designer Oki Sato. Taking place on the closing weekend of Julian Opie, the first major Australian exhibition from the British artist, teens will also have the opportunity to create their own digital self-portrait as a digital takeaway.

Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV said, 'Now in its seventh year, NGV Teens Art Party is an opportunity for young art enthusiasts to celebrate self-expression and diversity in an inclusive, welcoming space. With exclusive access to Escher X nendo | Between Two Worlds, this event brings together teens from all over to experience art, culture, performance and food.'

2018 NGV Teen Council member Benjamin, 16 said, 'Art Party is an event for teens by teens, where teens are able to enjoy themselves in a social setting as well as being immersed in the vast creative ideas and exhibitions that the NGV has to offer.'

Applications are now open for the 2019 NGV Teen Council, the NGV's flagship teen advisory panel, and will close in early February. The bi-annual NGV Teens Art Parties are created with the contribution of the NGV Teen Council, an advisory group of teenagers who volunteer their time to represent their peers in developing activities and programs at the Gallery. From planning NGV Teens events to learning about the inner workings of NGV, this one-year commitment gives members the opportunity to have their voices heard.

'Being on the Teen Council has been such a privilege. I've gotten to meet so many new people, I've learnt so much about art and I've been exposed to so many amazing opportunities to do with the creative arts,' said 2018 NGV Teen Council member Benjamin, 16.

The NGV Teens Art Party will be held at NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Australia on Saturday 16 February from 6 – 9pm. Tickets are avaliable for students aged 13 – 17 with valid secondary school ID. More information is available from the NGV website NGV.MELBOURNE

Early Bird (limited spaces) $10 | Members $15 | Students $18
The NGV wishes to acknowledge The Ullmer Family Foundation for their generous support of NGV Teens.
The NGV Kids and Teens program is supported by The Truby & Florence Williams Charitable Trust, managed by Equity Trustees.