Gold Coast teacher awarded for artistic excellence
Kizzie Hinze wins Excellence in Art Award 2025 for her striking photograph at the IEU-QNT Art Awards.
What’s happening?
Gold Coast teacher Kizzie Hinze has been recognised at the Independent Education Union; Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) Excellence in Art and Design Awards 2025.
Kizzie, from St Andrew’s Lutheran College in Tallebudgera, received an Award of Excellence in the Open category for her untitled photograph.
Why it matters
The awards highlight creativity and talent in the education sector. IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the reviewers were “wowed by the quality of the hundreds of submissions” to this year’s theme, Friends.
He said, “Our union established the Awards to promote and encourage artistic students and celebrate their flair for creativity. Art is a very important area of learning in schools, and IEU-QNT is proud to support the artistic talent of students and staff.”
Local impact
Kizzie’s recognition shines a spotlight on St Andrew’s Lutheran College and the Gold Coast’s contribution to arts in education.
By the numbers
The IEU-QNT represents more than 17,000 teachers, school support staff, principals and early childhood employees across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
The annual Art Awards were first established in 1994 to promote and encourage creativity among students.
This year’s awards attracted hundreds of submissions in response to the 2025 theme Friends.
Zoom in
Open category reviewer Julie Seidel said Kizzie’s photograph was “a compelling yet intimate image of two friends.” She added, “The depth of field and framing of the central figures communicates a sensitive bond between the two.
The choice of monochromatic tonal values and a central focus point conveys connection. It’s great to see an artist pursuing the craft of black and white photography and exploring its timeless qualities.”
Zoom out
The IEU-QNT Art Awards began in 1994 and were created to promote and encourage artistic students while celebrating creativity across Queensland and Northern Territory schools.
What to look for next
The 2025 awards presentation was held at the Queensland Multicultural Centre in Brisbane, where artworks were displayed in an exhibition and recipients received certificates and a cash prize.
A full list of Award of Excellence and Highly Commended recipients has been released.
