Logan children are turning the places and people they love into artworks for Japan, giving a new generation a voice in a 30-year friendship.
Up to 60 works will be selected for an exhibition in Shibukawa in February 2027, with six free workshops scheduled from 17 October.
A Logan City Council spokesperson said 14 artworks had been collected from the first two sessions.
“We’re looking for pieces that capture what makes Logan special, whether that’s a place, person, community or experience,” the spokesperson said.
Children in Years 2 to 6 can explore the theme Our Town Logan through drawing, painting, collage and mixed media.
And the exchange runs both ways.
“In Shibukawa, local kids are getting the same opportunity,” the spokesperson said.
“A selection of their works will be brought to Logan where they’ll be on display at The Line & Rail Artspace in Beenleigh.
“Through this program, both communities get a window into each other’s lives.”
The cities became sister cities on 17 April 1996, according to their original agreement.
Shibukawa’s exhibition chronology records Logan joining the art exchange in 2007, with exhibitions in both cities the following year.
Those first Logan and Shibukawa entries explored what their respective cities might look like 10 years into the future.
The exchange later earned Logan the Australian Sister Cities Association’s 2015 youth-project award, according to a notice published on Shibukawa’s website.
A statement published on the website when the award was announced outlined the program’s purpose.
“The project aims to enhance mutual understanding of culture and art between sister cities and deepen bonds of friendship by exchanging and exhibiting paintings created by children in each city,” the translated statement said.
The council spokesperson said the exchange was the key project planned for the Shibukawa relationship this year.
“This year our focus has been on continuing programs like the Children’s Art Exchange, which keeps that connection alive and introduces a new generation to the relationship.”
Works will be selected once all workshops are finished.
Children should bring a photograph, object or special item that reminds them of Logan, their community or another meaningful place.
Materials are supplied and no previous experience is required.
All remaining sessions run from 10am to noon:
- The Line & Rail Artspace, John Lane, Beenleigh: Saturdays 31 October and 14 November.
- Logan Art Gallery, corner Wembley Road and Jacaranda Avenue, Logan Central: Saturdays 17 October, 7 November, 14 November and 21 November.
Book through loganarts.com.au.
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