Whitsunday Student Art Competition

Call for entries from 26 June 2025 to 26 July 2025!

Free to enter!

Entries close 5pm 26 July 2025.

Open to 2025 students in Years 10, 11, and 12 from:

• Proserpine State Highschool, QLD
• St Catherine’s Catholic College, Proserpine, QLD
• Whitsunday Christian College, QLD

Theme:

Whitsundays, The Great Barrier Reef – Celebrating Marine Beauty and Conservation inspired by the Great Barrier Reef’s beauty, biodiversity, and conservation.

Submissions may include abstract or realistic.

Artwork submissions should:

• be creative, original, and reflect a high level of artistic skill and craftsmanship
• align with the elegant and contemporary aesthetic of Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays
• showcase thoughtful composition, depth, and a unique artistic perspective
• demonstrate originality, depth, and technical skill
• focus on themes such as marine life, coral ecosystems, and ocean conservation.
• be accompanied by a 30–150-word artist statement including the student’s name and school.

Size of art:

• 2 Dimensional work submissions must be ‘gallery ready’ with appropriate hanging system and under A1 size (594mm x 841mm) suitable for wall display
• 3D sculptural works maximum recommended sizing 400mm-600mm
• Sculptural artwork must be self-standing suitable for a table display
• Materials should be safe, durable, and appropriate for a hotel indoor gallery setting.

Artwork to be initially presented to School art teacher prior to 26 July 2025 who will coordinate with judging panel.

Is at the discretion of the judging panel which artwork will be displayed in the Heart hotel and Gallery Whitsundays.

• All entries must be submitted by the published deadline 5pm 26 July 2025, accompanied by a completed online entry form electronically signed by the student and a parent or guardian.
• Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
• Each participant may submit a maximum of two original pieces of artwork created independently.
• See form below to submit your artwork.

Selected artworks will be displayed in the Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays for the month of August 2025.

All artworks remain the property of the student, unless a separate written agreement states otherwise.

Once the finalists have been announced, a nominated teacher representative will coordinate the delivery of student artwork to the Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays.

At the conclusion of the exhibition, the school will be notified and arrangements made for the collection and redistribution of the artworks back to the participating students.

A panel of judges will assess all entries based on creativity, originality, technique, and thematic relevance.

Winners will be formally announced during the Great Barrier Reef Festival as part of an award ceremony open to students, families, school representatives, and the community.

Cash prizes will be awarded as follows:
First Prize: $300.00
Second Prize: $150.00
Third Prize: $50.00

Finalists and winners will be publicly recognised via local media, online platforms, and during the Great Barrier Reef Festival itself.

In addition to the cash prizes, all finalist entries will be entered into a draw to win two nights’ accommodation at Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island. The prize includes a two-bedroom apartment two night stay for up to two adults and two children. Please note: flights, meals, ferry transfers, and any incidental expenses are not included.

Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island accommodation prize is subject to availability. Prize voucher will be forfeited if cancelled or in the event of a no show. Prize voucher cannot be redeemed for cash. Prize Voucher must be used in a continuous booking. Prize voucher is not transferable. Minimum night stay may be applicable. Other terms and conditions may apply

All prizes are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash (except cash prizes as stated).

The judges’ decisions are final and binding. No correspondence or appeals will be entered into regarding the results.

By entering, participants and their guardians consent to:

• The student’s first name, school, and artwork title being displayed alongside their work.
• The use of photographs and videos taken at the exhibition, including images of students and their artwork, for promotional purposes across social media, blogs, print, and television media.
• Participation in any scheduled photo opportunities with judges or event sponsors.

• Personal information collected will be used solely for purposes related to the exhibition and managed in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.
• Consent may be withdrawn at any time by written request; however, this may affect eligibility for publicity-based prizes or features.
• Students who do not wish to be photographed or have their identifying details shared may still participate in the exhibition. This preference must be clearly marked on the entry form.

While all reasonable care will be taken, the organisers and associated venues accept no responsibility for any loss, theft, or damage to artworks during transport, handling, installation, display, or removal.

By submitting an artwork, participants acknowledge and accept that they do so at their own risk.

• The organiser reserves the right to make modifications to the event schedule or prizes if necessary.
• Entries must not contain inappropriate or offensive content.
• By submitting an artwork, the student and their guardian agree to be bound by these terms in full.