Entry & Exhibition Guidelines
How to prepare and submit artworks for the Wests Ashfield School Art Competition and Exhibition.
These guidelines will help schools prepare and submit artworks for the Wests Ashfield School Art Competition and Exhibition. Please review the key dates, entry requirements and presentation instructions before submitting artwork.
At a glance
| Theme | Local Landmarks, Local Legends |
| Who can enter | Inner West primary and secondary schools |
| Entries per school | Up to 6 artworks per stage or category |
| Registration deadline | 16 October 2026 (completed online, for each artwork) |
| Artwork delivered to Club | 30 October 2026 |
| Presentation morning tea | 10 November 2026 at Wests Ashfield |
| Artwork collection from Club | 11 November 2026 |
| Delivery location | Wests Ashfield, 115 Liverpool Road, Ashfield NSW |
| Total prize pool | $6,700 |
Before you begin, confirm your school’s internal approval process and nominate one staff contact to coordinate registrations, delivery and collection.
How to enter
1. Register each artwork online (due 16 October 2026)
- Complete a separate registration for every artwork.
- Include the Artist Statement and accept the Conditions of Entry.
- Attach a printed copy of the completed registration to the back of each artwork.
Registration information can be saved before submission, so you can return and complete it later.
2. Deliver your artwork to Wests Ashfield (due 30 October 2026)
Artwork may be delivered in person or sent by courier to: Wests Ashfield, 115 Liverpool Road, Ashfield NSW, Attn: Reception.
3. Collect your artwork (11 November 2026)
Artwork must be collected from Reception on this date. Wests Ashfield cannot store uncollected artwork after this date and accepts no responsibility for items left behind.
Entry criteria
- The competition is open to students from Inner West primary and secondary schools.
- All entries must be submitted or approved by the participating school; students cannot enter independently.
- Every artwork must include a completed registration, Artist Statement and Conditions of Entry.
- Entries from students who completed Year 12 in the previous year must still be submitted through their school.
Artwork categories
| Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Stage 4 |
| Stage 2 | Stage 5 |
| Stage 3 | Stage 6 |
Each school may submit up to 6 artworks per stage or category, including both individual and collaborative works.
Artwork requirements
Minimum size and suitability
- Primary artworks must be at least A4 size.
- Secondary artworks must comply with current HSC requirements for weight, size and suitability for exhibition.
Accepted media
Painting and drawing, printmaking, photography and pottery.
Preparing artwork for exhibition
Works on paper
Drawings, paintings, prints and photographs should be securely mounted on foam core, heavyweight card or a similar rigid backing.
Framed works and stretched canvases
Secure D-rings with screws at both ends on the back of the artwork.
| Artwork height | D-ring placement |
|---|---|
| Under 50 cm | 5 cm from the top |
| 50 cm or taller | 10 cm from the top |
Multi-piece artworks
- More than 5 pieces: assemble the work before submission.
- 5 pieces or fewer: supply a diagram or photograph showing the intended arrangement.
Unstretched canvas and textiles
Secure the work to a dowel rod and attach D-rings or eye hooks at each end using screws or a suitable adhesive.
Exhibition and display
Wests Ashfield will determine the final exhibition layout based on available display space. An entire body of work may not be displayed, and schools will be advised if submitted works are not selected for display. Schools are responsible for presenting each artwork professionally. Where appropriate, Wests Ashfield may mount works on foam board. The selection committee may decline works that are not adequately prepared for display.
Prizes
Students and schools will share in $6,700 worth of prizes, including art supplies, vouchers, Museum of Contemporary Art memberships and cash prizes.
Primary school categories and prizes
| Award | Student prize | School prize |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 Runner-up | Art pack | $100 |
| Stage 1 Winner | Art pack plus $50 voucher | $200 |
| Stage 2 Runner-up | Art pack | $100 |
| Stage 2 Winner | Art pack plus $50 voucher | $200 |
| Stage 3 Runner-up | Art pack | $100 |
| Stage 3 Winner | Art pack plus $50 voucher | $200 |
| People’s Choice | $350 | $500 |
Secondary school categories and prizes
| Award | Student prize | School prize |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 4 Runner-up | MCA membership | $250 |
| Stage 4 Winner | MCA membership plus $100 voucher | $500 |
| Stage 5 Runner-up | MCA membership | $250 |
| Stage 5 Winner | MCA membership plus $100 voucher | $500 |
| Stage 6 Runner-up | MCA membership | $250 |
| Stage 6 Winner | MCA membership plus $100 voucher | $500 |
| People’s Choice | $500 | $1,000 |
MCA = Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.