Daniel
Cao
Based in Sydney, Daniel Cao is an Asian Australian student that believes in the power of transformative art - using art and media as a vessel to create tangible social change. He is the Founder of Whistleblowers Art, an organisation aiming to promote various social causes and amplify student voices through art.
My Story
Daniel started drawing when he was six years old, placing paper over photos of sports cars and tracing over them. The end product would always look (surprisingly) similar to the real car, with the wobbly lines forming the illusion of a 3d shape. The ability to create something tangible from just a blank piece of paper and a pencil fascinated him. It was like magic. At the same time, along with the artwork also came a sense of pride, happiness. Every time he looked at that wobbly car he felt something — a connection to what he had created, a realisation of the ability of art to spark emotion.
This made him want to keep drawing and exploring my artistic expression. Although having no official art education, his determination and curiosity drove him to keep self honing his skills. Throughout high school he continues to draw regularly, submitting to international and national competitions. In 2023, he was selected as one of the winners of the New York Times “What is High School Like in 2023 Competition”, where his artwork was used as the article banner. Outside of art, Daniel also maintains an interest in academic excellence and social justice, maintaining a consistent 5.0 GPA and participating regularly in inter school debating competitions. Through these interests, he aims to evoke a sense of purpose and change in his art.
Outside of school, Daniel has participated in and organised several community events. He has been a key organiser of the Lyrebird Art Association, which hosts annual charity concerts and art auctions to raise money for social causes. In 2023, the concert raised around AUD 4,000 for the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, engaging and supporting young Indigenous Australians in education programs that build on their strengths and give them hope for the future. Further, he also attends monthly volunteering at a food shelter, making and distributing food to those in need.
Looking into the future, Daniel wants to apply for a design or arts major in college, but is also keeping STEM or humanities subjects in consideration.01 He believes that an interdisciplinary approach to his academic and professional pursuits will better prepare him to tackle the global issues he cares for most.