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BVAC 2026 Arts Competition:
"Open to Interpretation"

BVAC is proud to launch our inaugural open-entry competition and exhibition, inviting artists across Queensland to showcase their creativity and explore this year’s theme: 

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"Open to Interpretation"

How you choose to interpret this theme is entirely up to you — we want to see your creative process come to life! Each entry will be accompanied by a short Artist Statement (150 words max) to be displayed alongside your work.

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Whether you’re an emerging artist or an experienced maker, we invite you to take part in this exciting showcase of local talent.

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Download Conditions of Entry

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Download Entry Form

  • Artists may enter up to 6 works in total (2 per category max).

    Each category will include two sections:


    A. Emerging Artists – New to the medium or have never won a prize
    B. Experienced Artists – Those who have won prizes, teach, sell, or exhibit regularly

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    Categories:

    1. Painting – Acrylic or Oil

    2. Painting – Watercolour

    3. Drawing on Paper

    4. Printing – e.g. Lino, Botanical, etc

    5. Mixed Media – incl. Textile & Fibre Art

    6. Handmade Artist Book

    7. Hand-Bound Book – Traditional Binding

    8. Sculpture / 3D

    9. Functional Pottery – e.g. tea set, mug set

    10. China Painting

    11. Up-Cycling – Fashion Accessory (75% repurposed materials)

    12. Jewellery – Handcrafted

    13. Beading – Any beaded item

    14. Student Work – Primary & Secondary (any category above)

    • Best in Show Award – $500

    • Category prizes for each section (Emerging & Experienced)

    • People’s Choice Award – Announced at event close

    • Winners announced: Opening Night, Friday 13 March 2026

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    Mon 2 Feb: Entries open – submit entry form, image & statement

    Mon 9 Mar: Final deadline – entry form, image & payment due by 5:00pm

    Thu 12 Mar: Deliver artworks to Mt Coot-tha Auditorium by 12:00pm

    Fri 13 Mar: Exhibition opens + Prize Presentation Event

    Sun 15 Mar: Artwork collection from 2–5pm

    • Adults: $20 per entry OR 6 entries for $100

    • Students: $7 per entry

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    Entry fees are non-refundable.

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    Payment via direct deposit – include your full name in the reference.


    Account Name: Brisbane Visual Arts Community
    BSB & Account Number: (Provided on entry form)

    • Completed entry form

    • JPEG image of each artwork

    • Artist Statement (max. 150 words)

    • Entry fee payment

    • Email to bvac2015@gmail.com by Monday 9 March, 5:00pm

    • Categories 1–4 & 14: Max. 100x100cm (including frame)

    • Category 8 (Sculpture): Max. 50cm in any direction

    • Category 11 (Upcycling): Fashion accessories only, not garments. Include before photos of materials.

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    All artworks must be recent (completed within the last 18 months), original, and properly prepared for display (e.g. D hooks and wire for wall pieces). Label the back/underside of your work with your name, title, contact info, and price.

    • All entries may be offered for sale.
      BVAC will retain a 20% commission on all sold works.

    • Artworks accepted at owner’s risk. Insurance/freight is artist’s responsibility.

    • Unsold works must be collected on Sunday 15 March, 2–5pm.

    • BVAC is not responsible for uncollected artworks after 14 days.

Join Us for Opening Night

Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens Auditorium
Friday 13 March 2026 | Time TBC

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Help us celebrate the incredible creativity in our community. This event is open to all — family, friends, and art lovers are welcome!

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