Visual art exhibition inspires new generation of art lovers

It is not every day that artwork by preschool students goes on display at one of the world's most respected education institutions, but that is exactly what is happening at the Australian National University's School of Art.

Step into the Limelight is giving more than 300 kids from 30 ACT public schools a taste of the visual art world. The annual showcase for public schools began in 2007 and involves the visual arts exhibition, a film festival and a gala performance.

The exhibition includes artwork from preschool students all the way through till year 12 students, and showcases photography, sculpture, collage, painting, lino print and mix media works.

Director of the ANU School of Art Denise Ferris told ABC that the work was inspiring the next generation of art lovers.

"It is actually really kind of intriguing to see all these relatively young people's work on the walls and have them all wandering around the gallery and all very excited," she said.

"Putting value on visual art and culture, and performing art and culture doesn't happen by accident; it happens by exposing people to things at appropriate ages to a range of different practices and disciplines.

"We are a tertiary art institution attached to a very prestigious research university ... so for the students to be able to exhibit their work in our main gallery and have some of our staff there it is a very good opportunity (for the students) to play in the big house."

The Step in to the Limelight showcase is the ACT's largest youth arts event.