Catholic Earthcare is inviting students across Australia to explore their relationship with creation through art as entries open for the 2026 Season of Creation Art Competition.
The annual competition is hosted by Caritas Australia and encourages primary and secondary students to reflect on this year's Season of Creation theme, Living Water, and express their hopes for creation and a more sustainable future through visual art.
Kirsten Sayers, CEO, Caritas Australia reflected on the theme saying, “Water connects us all. Through our work we see the life-changing impact that access to clean water can have for families and communities, as well as the challenges created when water becomes scarce, polluted or increasingly unpredictable due to climate change. The Living Water theme encourages students to reflect on these challenges and the power of water to sustain life, strengthen communities and nurture creation.”
Chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service, Bishop Timothy Harris, encouraged students from across Australia to get involved.
“The Season of Creation invites us to recognise God's presence in the beauty of the natural world and our shared responsibility to care for our common home. This year's Living Water theme reminds us that water is a source of life, hope, and renewal. I encourage students across Australia to take part in the Catholic Earthcare Season of Creation Art Competition by creating and submitting an artwork inspired by this theme.”
The competition has become a popular way for students to engage with call to care for all creation while showcasing their creativity.
Key dates are as follows:
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
Bishop Timothy Harris said the standard of entries continues to inspire, saying “The Catholic Earthcare Season of Creation Art Competition has become a wonderful opportunity for students across Australia to reflect on their relationship with creation and express their hopes for our common home through art.
“The creativity and passion shown last year was truly inspiring and I look forward to once again celebrating the talents and unique perspectives of students across Australia as they respond to this year's theme.”
Competition details, eligibility requirements and entry information are available at: https://www.caritas.org.au/catholic-earthcare/school-art-competition/
Media contact: Tara Harvey 0484 002 021 tara.harvey@caritas.org.au or caritasmedia@caritas.org.au
