School Art Competition 2026

Primary and secondary students are invited to take part in Catholic Earthcare’s Annual Art Competition, exploring the theme of 'Living Water'.

Art supply vouchers will be awarded as prizes.
Bishop's Award (primary and secondary):
1st $300 | 2nd $200 | 3rd $100
People's Choice Award: $300 (primary and secondary)

What is the theme for this year's Catholic Earthcare Art Competition?

This year, the theme is Living Water and is drawn from the global Season of Creation theme for 2026.

Water is a gift from God that sustains all life. Through art, we invite students to explore what Living Water means to them — from rivers, oceans and rainfall, to renewal, hope, justice, faith and care for creation.

We encourage young artists to share their creativity, imagination and love for our common home through an original artwork inspired by this important theme.

Art Comp 2025 Secondary Bishop's Choice Award (1).png

What are the entry guidelines to Catholic Earthcare’s Annual Art Competition?

Important: All entries will be shared via our website with the student's first name, initial of last name, grade, name of school and postcode. By submitting an artwork, you agree that the artwork can be used by Caritas Australia and it's partners for promotional purposes that may include, but not limited to, website, print materials, newsletters, video and social media platforms.

Conditions of Entry

Artwork completed during Term 3 and must explore the Season of Creation theme: ‘Living Water’.
Any still visual medium (e.g. painting, photograph, sculpture, digital image) submitted as an image (JPEG, PNG). No people can be in the photo for it to be a valid entry.
Artwork must be the original work of an individual student. Group, class or collaborative artworks are not eligible.
Open to Australian Schools only.

Entries must be submitted by a teacher and include:
- Student's name
- Student's year level
- Name of school and postcode

Entries close: 5 pm (AEST) Friday 18 September 2026.

Each entry will be automatically submitted to both the Bishop's Choice and People's Choice awards.

Entries will be posted to our website for judging, with the People's Choice Awards to be decided based on number of votes cast via an online voting form.

All entries must submitted via the online form below. If you have any questions, please email us at: catholicearthcare@caritas.org.au

Enter here

What are the key dates?

Entries close 5 pm (AEST) Friday 18 September 2026

Voting opens Monday 12 October 2026

Voting closes 5 pm (AEST) Monday 19 October 2026

Winners announced Friday 30 October 2026

Prizes

Prizes include art supply vouchers to the value of:

1st $300 | 2nd $200 | 3rd $100

Winners will be announced during the Season of Creation by 30 October 2026

Winners

Winners will receive a gift voucher for art supplies!

Bishop's Choice Award

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awarded in each category:

Primary
Secondary

People's Choice Awards

One People's Choice Award for primary and secondary to the value of $300, decided by the number of online votes via the website. Voting opens Monday 12 October 2026.