Artists are putting their creative pedals to the metal, with artX Metro 2025 firmly in their sights. 

This exciting genU-facilitated exhibition is exclusive to artists with disability living in the metropolitan Victoria region. 

Submissions open today, Monday 2 June, and you have until Friday 21 August to enter your artwork for a chance at winning a prize or selling your amazing artwork. 

The exhibition runs from Tuesday 2 September to Friday 5 September in the Banksia Foyer of the Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre in Preston. 

genU CEO Clare Amies welcomed Godfrey Hirst as the presenting partner for 2025 and thanked the leading flooring manufacturer for its commitment to the art exhibition. 

“Godfrey Hirst has been a proud supporter of our genU arts programs for several years, and is passionate about community connection and social impact, both strong values genU shares." 

For this year’s exhibition, Clare said it would be difficult for artists to top the high standard of art submitted for the artX Metro 2024, but she was confident the quality would again be exceptional. 

“We are expecting another diverse and eye-catching range of artwork for judges to consider and the public to admire,” she said.  

Clare said genU was proud to support art exhibitions for the multiple benefits they produce, including building genuinely inclusive communities. 

“artX Metro is a wonderful opportunity for artists to share their artwork with the art-loving public, in a celebration of their creativity and commitment to their craft." 

“The exposure at the exhibition also creates opportunities for artists to gain financially if their artwork is sold, which is important to them for validating their talent and effort.” 

“We are pleased to be presenting first and runner-up prizes and will be once again purchasing the winner’s artwork to proudly display in our genU art Hall of Fame at our head office in Belmont.” 

GH Commercial Brand Manager Abby Peach said GH Commercial was incredibly proud to support initiatives that create meaningful change within our local communities. 

"Our continued partnership with the genU Arts Programme and support of artX Metro reflects our deep belief in the power of creativity to inspire, connect, and empower," Ms Peach said. 

"We are continually inspired by the talented artists involved, and it’s a privilege to contribute to an exhibition that not only celebrates artistic expression but also nurtures professional growth, builds lasting relationships, and strengthens inclusion within the broader arts community."

artX Metro 2025 is coordinated by genU and features works of art created by artists with disability or a history of mental illness. The event brings together previous exhibitions, including artX Northcote, artX Wyndham and artX Bayside. 

Who can enter?

This exhibition is open to artists over the age of 16 with disability or a history of mental illness who live in metropolitan Victoria. 

What can you enter? 

Submission mediums can include paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures.

artX Metro 2025 submission details

Submissions open: Monday 2 June

Submissions close: Friday 21 August

Submission application form: https://www.genu.org.au/artx-application/ 

Drop-off: After you have entered your application, you can drop your submission to genU Northcote, 30 Union Street, Northcote. Please mark Attention Vicki Barker. Drop-off no later than Friday 22 August.

Contact: please phone genU Northcote on 03 5249 6100 or Katie Bourke on 0488 100 074.

Official launch and winners announced

Winners will be chosen by a judging panel and announced at an exclusive event held on Thursday 4 September 2025 at the Banksia Foyer in the Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre Preston. All artists and their families and friends will be invited. Artwork for sale can be purchased at this event.

Exhibition opening hours

artX Regional 2025 will be open to the public for viewing and sales 

Exhibition open: Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June 2025

Open: 9am–4pm 

First Winner

First Prize will receive a trophy and $250 gift voucher. 

genU will purchase the winning artwork to display in the genU Hall of Fame at the Support Hub, Belmont, Geelong. The winning artist will receive up to the value of $350 for the winning artwork.

Runner-up Award 

Runner-up will receive a framed certificate and $100 gift voucher.