Deadline: 22-Jun-2026
The Deaf Children Australia Annual Art Competition is an annual creative arts initiative by Deaf Children Australia. It provides a national platform for deaf and hard of hearing children and young people to express their creativity through visual and multimedia art. The competition highlights inclusion, identity, and belonging through artistic storytelling.
Theme: “We belong”
The theme “We belong” encourages participants to explore personal and collective experiences of belonging. This may include belonging to family, school, Deaf community, friendship groups, cultural identity, sports teams, or places that feel like home. The theme promotes reflection on identity, connection, inclusion, and lived experiences of deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Purpose and Objectives
The competition aims to support creative expression among deaf and hard of hearing youth while promoting inclusion and visibility. It encourages artistic exploration, strengthens cultural identity within the Deaf community, and provides opportunities for young people to showcase their perspectives through art. It also helps build confidence and recognition through public exhibition of their work.
Eligible Participants
Eligibility is limited to deaf and hard of hearing children and young people who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. Individual entries are open to participants aged 8 to 23 years. The Early Education Group Project category includes children aged 0 to 11 years and requires collaboration between two or more deaf or hard of hearing children from the same school or kindergarten.
Competition Categories
The competition includes four categories: Ages 8–11, Ages 12–17, Ages 18–23, and Early Education Group Projects (0–11 years). Each category is judged separately, allowing fair recognition across different age groups and developmental stages.
Artistic Mediums Accepted
Participants may submit artworks in a wide range of formats including painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, mixed media, textile art, photography, digital art, graphic novels, and video art. Video submissions must be provided in MP4 format and include captions to ensure accessibility.
Funding and Prize Structure
Winners and runners-up in each category receive cash prizes. Winner awards include AUD 500 for Ages 8–11, AUD 700 for Ages 12–17, AUD 1,000 for Ages 18–23, and AUD 800 for Early Education Group Projects. Runner-up prizes include AUD 250, AUD 300, AUD 500, and AUD 450 respectively across the same categories.
Eligibility Requirements and Documentation
Applicants must provide proof of age and proof of permanent hearing loss. Acceptable documents include birth certificates, passports, driver’s licences, audiograms, or official medical letters. For group entries, schools or kindergartens must provide a formal letter confirming participant details and hearing status.
Submission Guidelines
Artworks may be submitted in physical or digital format. Physical submissions must be clearly labelled and safely packaged for exhibition. Digital submissions must meet required file formats and technical specifications. Video entries must include captions to ensure accessibility for all audiences.
Exhibition and Artwork Retention
Submitted artworks may be retained by Deaf Children Australia for up to 12 months after the exhibition. This allows continued showcasing of participants’ creative work in exhibitions and related events.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common issues include missing proof of hearing status, incorrect age category selection, failure to include captions in video submissions, and improper packaging of physical artworks. Submitting work outside the specified formats or without required documentation may lead to disqualification.
Tips for Strong Submissions
Strong entries clearly reflect the theme “We belong,” demonstrate originality, and express personal or cultural identity. Successful artworks often use storytelling elements, accessible formats, and creative interpretation of belonging within family, community, or Deaf culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Deaf Children Australia Annual Art Competition organized by Deaf Children Australia provides a creative platform for deaf and hard of hearing youth in Australia.
- The theme is “We belong,” focusing on identity, inclusion, and connection.
- Participants must be deaf or hard of hearing Australian citizens or permanent residents.
- Age categories include 8–11, 12–17, 18–23, and Early Education Group Projects (0–11 years).
- Prizes range from AUD 250 to AUD 1,000 depending on category and placement.
- Accepted mediums include visual, digital, sculptural, and multimedia art forms.
- Submissions must meet documentation and accessibility requirements such as captions for videos.
Conclusion
The Deaf Children Australia Annual Art Competition provides an inclusive national platform for deaf and hard of hearing young people to express creativity and identity through art. By celebrating belonging and diversity, the competition fosters inclusion, cultural connection, and artistic development while showcasing the voices and perspectives of Australia’s Deaf community.
For more information, visit Deaf Children Australia.
