Art Showcase 2026 - Here, I Belong

What does belonging mean to you? This year’s headspace Bundaberg Art Showcase invites young people aged 12–25 to explore that question through their art. Selected work will be exhibited at the School of Arts Gallery from 25 to 28 November. Entry is free, and entries close Sunday 22 November.

About the theme: Here, I Belong

Belonging looks different for everyone. For some it’s a place: a bedroom, a backyard, a stretch of coastline. For others it’s a person, a culture, a song, a language, a memory. Sometimes it’s something we’re still searching for.

This year’s theme invites young people to explore what belonging means to them. Not what it’s supposed to look like, but what it actually feels like. Show us where you belong.

Who can enter

  • Young people aged 12–25
  • Any visual art form: drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, digital or mixed media
  • All experience levels, whether it’s your first piece or your fiftieth
  • New or existing work. It doesn’t have to be made for the showcase
  • Free to enter

Prizes

Prizes are awarded in two age groups, 12–15 and 16–25. Each prize is a mix of sponsored items and a gift card with a total value of $150.

  • Judges’ Choice: chosen by a panel with arts industry experience
  • People’s Choice: voted by visitors to the exhibition
  • Volunteer Choice: chosen by our Youth Engagement Committee and others who help shape headspace Bundaberg

Key dates

  • Entries close: Sunday 22 November
  • Exhibition: Wednesday 25 to Saturday 28 November, School of Arts Gallery
  • Opening event: Wednesday 25 November. Artists will receive details closer to the date.

How to enter

  1. Complete the submission form in the link below. 
  2. Choose your artwork drop-off location and time in the form.
  3. Make sure your artwork is ready to hang.
  4. Reach out if you need support delivering your artwork. 

Printable Flyer and Further Information 

Show us where you belong. Entries close Sunday 22 November. Please see FAQ below.

Enter now

A few tips to get your artwork display-ready:

Affordable frames are available at Kmart, King Kong Sales, or Choice the Discount Store. Standard sizes like A3 make framing easier.Canvas artworks need string or wire attached to the back. 


Not sure or need a hand?

The team from Bundaberg Regional Galleries have offered to support, and if there is enough interest we may run a one-off workshop on displaying your work. Express your interest within the entry form, or send an email to headspacebundaberg@youturn.org.au

There are no size restrictions for submissions. Create big or small, whatever suits your vision! However, the hanging system will only support around 15kg.

Not at all! You're welcome to submit something you've created in the past.

Absolutely, this showcase celebrates young artists from Bundaberg at every experience level. First piece or fiftieth, we'd love to see it.

Yes. If you prefer, your artwork can be displayed without your name or a pseudonym.

100%, always. Your artwork remains yours. headspace Bundaberg won't claim any rights or use your work for any other purpose without your permission. After the exhibition, you can collect your piece

Each prize is a combination of sponsored items and gift card to approximatley $150 in value. Prize details will be announced on our social media pages closer to the event.

If someone is helping you deliver your artwork to the venue, consider protecting your creation appropriately (eg. bubble wrap).

We want everyone to feel safe and welcome here, and the venue is difficult for restricted sections. 
So to keep this a welcoming space for all ages, we ask that artwork doesn't include:

  • Graphic depictions of self-harm, violence, or death
  • Alcohol or illicit drug use
  • Explicit nudity or sexual content
  • Images of real people without their clear permission