CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
Welcome to Deaf Children Australia’s Annual Art Competition 2026 — a celebration of creativity, identity, and connection.
This year’s theme, “We belong,” invites children and young people to explore what belonging feels like and looks like in their world. It might be belonging to a family, a school, a Deaf community, a friendship group, a team, a culture, or a place that feels like home. It can be loud and colourful, quiet and comforting, shared with others or deeply personal.
We want to see your story told through art — using any style, medium, or technique you love. Whether you paint, draw, collage, sculpt, or create digitally, your artwork can show where you feel you belong, who you belong with, and how you help others feel included.
By taking part, you’re not only showcasing your talent — you’re helping share the voices, experiences, and perspectives of Deaf and hard of hearing children across Australia.
We can’t wait to see what “We belong” means to you.
EXHIBITION DATES: TBC
LOCATION: DEAF CHILDREN AUSTRALIA, FJ Rose Auditorium, 597 ST KILDA ROAD, MELBOURNE. (Entry via High Street entrance)
Explore Your Creativity
Deaf Children Australia's annual art exhibition is dedicated to supporting, promoting, and nurturing deaf and hard of hearing young people in their pursuit of creativity.
The exhibition has four categories:
- Ages 8-11,
- Ages 12-17; and
- Ages 18-23
- Early Education Group Project (0-11 years)
Submission Information
In order to be considered, you will need to complete the application form and adhere to the guidelines featured in the INFO KIT. Make sure to read these conditions carefully! The Application Form and INFO KIT will be made available very soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are deaf or hard of hearing and aged from 8 to 23 years, you are eligible to submit a piece of artwork in these categories:
- Ages 8 to 11,
- Ages 12 to 17, and
- Ages 18 to 23
Introducing a new category, see INFO KIT for more details.
- Early Education Group Project (0-11 years)
Your submission should include your Artwork and a completed Application Form.
By including your email and phone number in your Application Form, we will be able to notify you if you are selected as a finalist and/or winner. Therefore, it is important you send an Application Form with your work. Without it, we will be unable to contact you.
We accept a wide range of mediums including:
Pen
Pencil
Paint
Pastels
Chalks
Charcoal
Collage
Mixed Media
Sculpture
Digital Art
Textile Art
Photography
Video
Any questions please email us at events@deafchildren.org.au
You can only enter one submission each year.
Artwork should be sent to: Community Engagement – Art, Deaf Children Australia, PO Box 6466, Melbourne VIC 3004
Digital Submissions should be emailed to: events@deafchildren.org.au
For more information please refer to the INFO KIT.
Be sure to complete and include all necessary requirements when submitting.
You need to create a new submission for this exhibition. Do not submit art you have exhibited or used to enter another competition.
Yes. Deaf Children Australia is an inclusive organisation, so submissions that include ableist, sexist, racist, homophobic, or hateful content will not be considered and will result in a ban from future competitions and promotions.
We will also not accept artworks that include promotional material. This includes logos, branding, or other forms of visual advertising. Works that contain promotional material will be disqualified.
Finally, works including profanity, profane items, or profane imagery will not be considered.
The decision of our judges is final. Any attempt made to contest or dispute the results of this competition with either Deaf Children Australia staff or our judges will result in instant disqualification and a ban from future competitions.
Also, any attempt to interfere in the judging process – including attempting to influence the judge’s decision in any way – will result in instant disqualification and a ban from future competitions. This is to ensure the competition remains impartial and fair for all participants.
If your artwork breaches the terms of entry, we will let you know as early as possible. Our team will advise you on the next course of action. However, frequent resubmissions of works that continue to breach the terms of entry will result in a ban from future promotions.
