Welcome to Deaf Children Australia’s Annual Art Competition 2027 — a celebration of unique experiences, perspectives and emotions.
Read below to learn about our theme for the 2027 Art Competition and keep an eye out for the Application Form and Info Kit release!
Welcome to Deaf Children Australia’s Annual Art Competition 2027 — a celebration of unique experiences, perspectives and emotions.
This year’s theme “My Inner World” invites deaf and hard of hearing children to explore what their inner world looks like to them. What voice is in your head, what passions live in your heart, how do you see the world, and how does your inner world show up? 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.
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 “My Inner World” means to you.
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:
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! Please note submissions close on the 14th of June 2027!
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:
Introducing a new category, see INFO KIT for more details.
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:
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.
Each year, the creativity of our Art Competition entrants is transformed into something extra special, thanks to Dianne from dmemories4u.
Dianne has generously supported Deaf Children Australia by creating personalised jigsaw puzzles featuring the artwork submitted by our artists, giving them a unique keepsake that celebrates their creativity and achievement.
dmemories4u is a Victorian-based business specialising in custom-made personalised jigsaw puzzles. Customers can turn meaningful photos, artwork and designs into high-quality puzzles in a wide range of sizes and piece options, creating a thoughtful and memorable gift for people of all ages.
We would like to sincerely thank Dianne for her continued involvement in our Art Competition and for helping us recognise and celebrate the talented young artists who take part each year.