Palmerston, NT, locals are being greeted by a burst of colour and culture when they catch the bus thanks to Year 8 student Karen. She entered her artwork in the prestigious Deadly Designs competition at the Palmerston Youth Festival in July with her design chosen to decorate a Northern Territory community bus.  

The Deadly Designs competition invited young artists to create NAIDOC-inspired artwork, celebrating both creativity and culture.  

Karen’s artwork was inspired by her cultural heritage, with her grandmother playing a large part in nurturing her interests. “My grandmother taught me how to use art to tell a story,” she explains.  

It is important to Karen to include symbols such as waterholes, rocks, meeting circles and water in her artwork. These elements, which also formed part of her winning piece, reflect her cultural heritage and the importance of storytelling through artistic expression.  

“I wanted people to feel inspired by my art and feel like they were a part of a journey,” she says about her design. 

Jacinta McFee, Deputy Head of Health and PE and House Coordinator explains, “What made Karen’s design stand out was the deep connection to culture and the way she explained the meaning behind her artwork. It’s not just about decorative patterns, it’s about sharing a story and honouring her community.” 

The moment Karen learnt her design had been chosen was unforgettable. “I was shocked and then I felt really proud,” she recalls. “I knew the bus would be driven around town and it could share my design, my story and my culture.” 

For Karen, this achievement is not just a personal milestone, but a proud moment for her family and community. 

Karen’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of storytelling though art, creativity and celebrating cultural identity.