Design the ultimate abode for Marshall White’s My Dream Home art competition

When I was a kid, my dream home had a tower and a moat. These days, many kids have a different outlook on what makes a dream home. It seems only fitting, then, that a real estate agency might inspire young Melburnians to dream up their ultimate abode.

Marshall White’s My Dream Home primary school art competition encourages students to explore their artistic abilities, and also supports school art departments.

The competition, previously held back in 1990, encourages children to consider the elements of a home that are important to them, and to express these in an artistic entry.

Winners, in three age categories – prep-grade 2, grade 3-4 and grade 5-6 – will share in $45,000 worth of prizes. Each winner will get $5000 for their school art department, a party with classmates and an ice-cream cake.

They will aso receive Marshall White auctioneer services for their school for a year, and two free fete boards to use for school events.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award (the most public votes) will receive a $20,000 marketing campaign package in The Weekly Review, a $5000 art department donation and $500 prize money.

Marshall White director John Bongiorno says the agency wants to play an active role in children’s learning and development, and to strengthen ties with schools in Boroondara, Stonnington, Bayside and Port Phillip.

“We believe the success of our brand is largely to do with our family culture,” John says.

With kids more focused on houses than ever, thanks to shows such as The Block, the timing seems right. As John says, it will be interesting to see the aspirations of Melbourne’s future homeowners.

Applications close august 11. Final submissions due by September 8. Winners announced on october 13.