The next generation of Greek Australian talent took centre stage on Sunday, May 4, at the Chau Chak Wing Museum in Sydney, as the 2nd Greek Youth Creative and Performing Arts Competition celebrated the artistic brilliance of young people aged 12 to 24.
An initiative of the Greek Festival of Sydney under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), the event drew entries from across the state in four categories — art, writing, music and performing — with this year’s theme, “Beyond Greek Borders,” inviting participants to explore Hellenic identity in a global context.
The awards ceremony was emceed by Maria Kakali, the 2024–2025 Greek Community Languages Ambassador and a current Modern Greek student at the university. She opened the event with an Acknowledgement of Country and urged students to continue embracing their language and heritage through education and creativity.
Distinguished guests included Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW; Chrysa Prokopaki, Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; and Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney. Special thanks were extended to Dr Craig Barker, Head of Public Engagement at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, for his ongoing support of the initiative.
In his address, Mr Danalis praised the entrants for their imagination and commitment to culture, noting that events like this are essential in preserving Hellenic identity in modern Australia. He emphasised the importance of encouraging youth to express themselves creatively while honouring their Greek roots.
Participants across three age brackets — 12–15, 16–18 and 19–24 — submitted entries in visual arts, creative writing and performance. Although no entries were received in the music category this year, the quality and diversity of submissions in the remaining categories impressed organisers.
All participants were acknowledged on stage and received certificates of participation, with their work displayed on screen.
A standout moment came when Eleftherios Giannas, the sole performing arts entrant in the 12–15 age group, took to the stage with a live bouzouki performance, earning enthusiastic applause.
In a short address, Andrew Caramanis reflected on the competition as more than a showcase, describing it as a “bridge” between heritage and identity — a meaningful space for young Greek Australians to connect, create, and express who they are in a multicultural Australia.
Winning entrants were awarded monetary prizes of $500, with runners-up receiving $300. Some winners were unable to attend and will be contacted individually to receive their prizes.
Award winners on the day were:
Arts Category:
12–15 years:
- Winner – Nichol Stratis (not present)
- Runner-up – Olympia Mournehis (not present)
16–18 years:
- Winner – Olga Giannikouris
- Runner-up – Niko Tsiokos (not present)
19–24 years:
- Winner – Kosta Giitsidis (prize accepted by his mother)
- Runner-up – Elaina Kazouris
Writing Category:
12–15 years:
- Winner – James Caramanis
- Runner-up – Zaharenia Filactos
16–18 years:
- Equal Winners – Andrew Caramanis and Yiorgios Filactos
Performing Category:
12–15 years:
- Winner – Eleftherios Giannas
As the Greek Festival of Sydney continues its 43rd year, this competition once again underscored the power of creative expression in strengthening community bonds and passing on Greek heritage to future generations.
