Isla Hooper

Student and artist

2023 NT Local Hero Nominee

Isla Hooper is a passionate member and advocate for the LGBTIQ+ community and has been working with fellow Northern Territory Youth Round Table members (who represent the geographic, cultural and ethnic diversity of the state) to advocate for increased accessibility to the arts.

As part of their studies at Centralian Senior College in 2021, Isla organised a week-long exhibition and workshops called the ‘Love a Local Portraiture Challenge’ for the Desert Festival, attracting 150 submissions and being visited by 250 people. Through the portraiture challenge, Isla aimed to reinforce community connections by displaying the love young people have for those around them.

Through Isla’s work with Central Craft, they also planned and facilitated ceramics workshops for kids in Alice Springs to help build their confidence and pride in their works. They worked with Yipirinya Primary School for the first two terms of 2022 and also held workshops during school holidays.