DCA Art Exhibition 2026
Celebrate creativity, identity and belonging with artworks by deaf and hard of hearing children and young people from across Australia.
About the Art Exhibition
Deaf Children Australia’s annual Art Exhibition showcases artworks created by deaf and hard of hearing children and young people as part of our 2026 Art Competition.
This year’s theme, We belong, invited young artists to explore what belonging means to them and express their ideas through their chosen artform.
The exhibition brings these artworks together in DCA’s historic Bluestone Building in Melbourne. Visitors are invited to experience the creativity, stories and perspectives of young artists from across Australia.
Key Dates and Details
Public Exhibition:
Sat 3rd of October 2026. 10am- 4pm
Sat 10th of October. 10am-4pm
Sat 17th of October. 10am-4pm
Sat 24th of October. 10am-4pm
Public visitors can attend the exhibition on selected Saturdays in October. Tickets are $5 per person and bookings are required.
School Group Exhibition:
5th October to 9th October 2026. 9am-3pm.
12th October to 16th October 2026. 9am-3pm.
19th October to 23rd October 2026. 9am-3pm.
26th October to 30th October 2026. 9am-3pm.
Schools and early learning centers are welcome to book a group visit during the weekday exhibition period. Bookings are essential.
A school group visit can support classroom learning across art, Auslan, inclusion, identity, community and social awareness.
Meet the Judges
Hayley Edgar
Hayley Edgar is a Deaf and Autistic photographer, creative and actor who is passionate about capturing stories both behind and in front of the camera.
Her creative work explores identity, self-expression and the experiences of Deaf and disabled people. Hayley has worked across photography, acting and other creative projects, including Beauty in Talking Hands, Society Can’t Define Me and Uniquely Beautiful.
Hayley also has a special connection to the Art Competition, having won the 18–23-year-old category in Deaf Children Australia’s 2025 Art Competition.
We are proud to welcome Hayley as a judge for the 2026 Art Competition, themed “We belong.”
Jorlene Lim
Jorlene Lim is a Naarm-based graphic designer, illustrator and performer whose creative practice spans visual art, design and performance.
Through her work, Jorlene brings together creativity, communication and storytelling. Her experience across different creative disciplines provides her with a unique perspective on how artists can express their ideas, identities and experiences.
We are proud to welcome Jorlene as a judge for Deaf Children Australia’s 2026 Art Competition, themed “We belong.”
Olivia Beasley
Olivia Beasley is a proud Deaf multidisciplinary artist, Auslan consultant, actor, content creator, illustrator, MC and speaker.
A native Auslan user, Olivia’s creative career spans performance, visual language, screen, illustration and Deaf advocacy. Her work connects Deaf culture with broader audiences and highlights Auslan as both a language and an art form.
Olivia has worked across film, theatre, festivals, major concert events and national campaigns. Her achievements include receiving the Victorian Government’s Emerging Leader Award in 2020 and being named Deaf Youth Australian of the Year in 2019.
We are proud to welcome Olivia as a judge for Deaf Children Australia’s 2026 Art Competition, themed “We belong.”
Add a Bluestone Tour
School groups and individuals can add an optional Bluestone History Tour to their exhibition visit. Prices are on application.
This guided tour offers a simple way to learn more about DCA’s historic Bluestone Building and its connection to Deaf education in Victoria.
Past Art Exhibition Catalogues
Explore the creativity and stories from previous years:
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to all the young artists, families, educators, judges, and community members who made the 2025 Art Exhibition such a memorable event.
