MELBOURNE.- Opening 31 March, the National Gallery of Victoria will present Top Arts: VCE 2010, a celebration of the skill and imagination of emerging Victorian artists.

Now in its seventeenth year, Top Arts will display 55 works by 53 students from government, Catholic and independent schools from across Victoria.

Exemplary drawings, photography, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, books, short films and textiles will be represented in this year’s exhibition.

Works have been inspired by a wide range of themes, including responses to the natural and urban environment, family relationships, and consumerism. Responses to art movements and historical events are also explored with one student depicting her grandmother’s five years in Auschwitz and another drawing the brutality of the Russian Revolution.

Merren Ricketson, Top Arts Coordinating Curator said: “Each year Top Arts highlights the unlimited creativity unleashed in art classrooms across the state.

“From warnings of a polluted future to the power of dreaming, Top Arts once again shows invention and sophisticated thought.

“It is evident that these young people undertake a journey through their art-making that offers us insights into their thinking and imagination,” said Ms Ricketson.

Students selected for the exhibition completed Art or Studio Arts last year as part of their Victorian Certificate of Education. This year 110 students were shortlisted from more than 1800 applicants.

Frances Lindsay, Deputy Director, NGV said the exhibition highlights the Gallery’s support of contemporary art, youth and education.

“In its 150th year the NGV is delighted to be showcasing the work of Victoria’s budding visual artists.

“I also encourage all visitors to vote for their favourite work in the exhibition as part of the Goldman Sachs People’s Choice Award. Last year more than 14,000 people voted in the award,” said Ms Lindsay.

The art department of the top three schools whose exhibitors gain the most votes will receive a cash award.

Top Arts is exceptionally popular with VCE students, schools and the general public. Last year, more than 90,000 people visited the exhibition.

A diverse range of public programs, including opportunities to meet the exhibitors and view their developmental folios will accompany the exhibition. You can also venture behind-the-scenes with the Talk Top Arts forum and discover the people and things that make Top Arts unique. Join the conversation by visiting talktoparts.ning.com

Top Arts: VCE 2010 will be on display at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square from 31 March – 19 June 2011. The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is open from 10am–5pm. Closed Mondays. Admission is free.