Richmond Unveils Youth Art Contest Winners for Community Plan

The City of Richmond has announced the winners of its youth art contest, with the selected pieces set to be featured in the updated Official Community Plan (OCP). Local young artists were invited to submit artwork that represents their vision for Richmond’s future. A total of twenty submissions were received from youth of various ages, showcasing a range of media including watercolour, mixed media, and digital art.

Richmond’s Mayor, Malcolm Brodie, expressed his admiration for the creativity displayed in the contest. “Congratulations to all the participants and winners of the Youth Art Contest,” he stated. “Your inspiring creativity reflects the spirit of Richmond and shows a deep understanding of our city’s future. Each piece beautifully captures the themes of the Official Community Plan update and highlights the unique vision our youth bring to shaping Richmond. Thank you for sharing your talent.”

Community engagement played a significant role in the selection process, with over 400 residents voting for their top three favourite submissions during both online and in-person OCP open house sessions. The winning artworks were chosen based on their creativity, relevance to the OCP update, and the aspirational vision they convey for Richmond’s future.

Winning Artwork Highlights

The first-place winner, Maggie Pi, created a piece that envisions an inclusive future for Richmond, depicting diverse residents, eco-friendly transit, and children engaged in community activities. This artwork aligns closely with the values outlined in the OCP.

In second place, Emily Du presented her interpretation of Richmond in 2050, seen through the eyes of a young person. Her artwork features vibrant landmarks, a sense of community spirit, and innovative elements like flying cars, all while emphasizing sustainability.

The runner-up positions were awarded to Carys Braverman and Elina Khong. Braverman’s mixed-media piece captures various scenes across Richmond, from City Hall to local wildlife, reflecting themes of equity and environmental protection. Khong’s artwork focuses on children from diverse backgrounds interacting with Richmond’s transit, nature, and public spaces, incorporating symbols of reconciliation and inclusivity.

Additionally, an honourable mention went to Leif Ferguson, whose artwork portrays a picturesque view from the Dinsmore Bridge, featuring a sunset, rainbow, and river scene, emphasizing the beauty accessible to all community members.

All winning, runner-up, and honourable mention artworks will be prominently featured in the Official Community Plan, which is set to be released later this year.

The city encourages community members to express their opinions on this initiative or any other local matters by sending letters or emails. For the latest news updates, residents can subscribe to Richmond’s daily headline newsletter.