Visual Arts

Entries for the 2026 Lionel Bowen Young Creatives Award are now open! Submissions will close at midnight on Monday 31 August 2026, 11.59pm. (extented to) Wednesday 30 September 2026, 11.59pm.

Theme 2026: 24 HOURS

Click here to enter!

To enter the Visual Arts category, please ensure your submission meets the following requirements:

  • Submissions must be in the form of digital images or photographs of your artwork.
  • Accepted works include painting, drawing, sculpture, textile piece, photography or still digital work.
  • Accepted formats: AVIF, APNG, GIF, JPEG, PNG, or WEBP. Maximum single file size: 10MB. Maximum number of files: five (5) of 1 piece of artwork.
  • Physical submissions will not be accepted at the entry stage. However, an exhibition will showcase all winning physical artworks after the Award Ceremony.
  • Works may be produced using any medium or material (e.g. paint, ceramics, 3D, or digital) but must be entirely your own original work.
  • Please state in your submission the actual size and dimensions of your artwork, if applicable.
  • Submissions must respond to this year’s theme, “24 HOURS.” A brief Artist's Statement detailing how your work relates to the theme must be submitted with the entry. There will be an entry form field to be completed (limited to 500 characters).
  • If AI tools have been used in creating your work, this must be disclosed in your submission. Entrants are required to complete a Creative Process Statement outlining any tools used and how they contributed to the creation process. There will be an entry form field to be completed (limited to 500 characters). Please read the Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI Tools before submitting.
  • Submissions containing explicit, gratuitous content, or extreme profanity will not be considered.
  • Submit only one (1) piece of creative work. Additional entries will not be accepted.
  • Winning entries, along with statements and descriptions, will be exhibited at Lionel Bowen Library from December to the end of January, and all selected works, including original artworks, must be made available for the duration of the exhibition. Winning physical artworks should be dropped off at Lionel Bowen Library from 16-25 November (other arrangements can be made if this time frame is not suitable).

*By entering, participants agree to our Terms & Conditions.

Judging Criteria

Each submission will be judged on originality and creativity, artistic concept and response to the theme, and overall execution, including technique, composition, and visual impact.

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