WASTE 2 ART 2026

Challenge the way we look at waste!

This community art exhibition & competition aims to educate, inform & challenge the way we look at waste.

This exhibition and competition give aspiring and professional artists the chance to explore and share their waste reduction messages whilst showcasing their artistic ability. 

The WASTE 2 ART Community Art Exhibition is open to all community members, artists and schools who currently reside in the NetWaste region. 

NetWaste Councils: Bathurst, Blayney, Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Cabonne, Central Darling, Cobar, Coonamble, Cowra, Dubbo Regional, Forbes, Gilgandra, Lachlan, Lithgow, Mid-Western, Narromine, Oberon, Orange, Parkes, Walgett, Warren, Warrumbungle, Weddin.

(Not all councils are involved in each round of Waste 2 Art so please contact your local council to confirm their involvement)

The theme for 2026 is 'Shrink your Footprint'.All artworks must fit inside a shoebox.

Applications close 3 April 2026, 5pm. Artwork drop off 20 - 24 April, 10am to 4pm.

WPCC W2A COMPETITION & EXHIBITION

All winning artworks will receive a prize of $200 and proceed to the Regional Competition. Entrants will be announced at the opening on Saturday 9 May 2026. Judging will include one independent member from the creative arts within the region and Dubbo Regional Council staff.

REGIONAL W2A COMPETITION

All of the winning artworks from each local competition will be transported to a Regional Exhibition.

• The Regional Competition will offer cash prizes to the total value of nearly $11,000.

• All artworks have a size limit this year to allow for transportation

• For further information contact Bill Tink (NetWaste) on 0400 336 508.

• Please read the terms and conditions that will be provided by your local coordinator before completing your entry form.

• ADDITIONAL PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED AT THE REGIONAL EXHIBITION

• ANNUAL WASTE THEME AWARD - Shrink your Footprint

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

• You must reside in the Dubbo LGA region.

• All artwork must demonstrate the re-use and recycling of waste.

• No new materials to be used in artworks unless structurally required.

• Entrants will be notified of competition results by mail/ telephone.

• The results of the competition will be announced to social media and on the NetWaste website.

• All entrants grant permission to the organisers to publish &/ or broadcast the names and photographs of the finalists and the winners through print and electronic media.

• Judges and their immediate families are not eligible to enter.

• Judges decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into.

• Artworks and copyright remain the property of the entrant.

• A brief description of your composition, the materials and inspiration of your artwork much be included in your application form.

ALL ARTWORK MUST:

• All artworks must fit inside of a shoebox.

• Installation instructions or an image of the artwork setup must be supplied in your application. All artworks must come displayed in the shoebox.

• Be safe for public exhibition and labelled with your name and council.

• Be exhibition ready. If the artwork is to be hung a hanging system must be included (it can be very simple). Sculptures must be freestanding.

• Please note NetWaste will not be accepting entries into the Regionals if they contain any purchased craft materials such as plastic eyes, glitter, pipe cleaners and foam modelling material etc.

All artwork must be delivered to your local participating council. Artists are responsible for packaging of their own artworks for transport to the local Exhibition and then collection once the exhibition has ended and artworks are returned to each council. For details please contact the local Waste to Art Coordinator. The cost and means of transport to the local exhibition are the responsibility of the entrant. If you are a winner at the local exhibition your work will be transported to a Regional Exhibition. The cost of transport will be covered by NetWaste. The organisers will take all reasonable care in handling and dealing with works submitted, however the organisers will not be responsible for any loss or damage incurred to any of the artworks or materials.

ENTRIES ACCEPTED FROM GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALS IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES

PRIMARY SCHOOL

• 2 Dimensional - Poster/Painting/Collage/Drawing

• 3 Dimensional - Sculpture/Installation

• Functional - Furniture/Craftworks & Wearable Objects

HIGH SCHOOL

• 2 Dimensional - Poster/Painting/Collage/Drawing

• 3 Dimensional - Sculpture/Installation

• Functional - Furniture/Craftworks & Wearable Objects

COMMUNITY

• 2 Dimensional - Poster/Painting/Collage/Drawing

• 3 Dimensional - Sculpture/Installation

• Functional - Furniture/Craftworks & Wearable Objects

OPEN (Professional artists included in this category)

• 2 Dimensional - Poster/Painting/Collage/Drawing

• 3 Dimensional - Sculpture/Installation

• Functional - Furniture/Craftworks & Wearable Objects