Entries for the 2026 Welight Art Student Exhibition & Competition are now open. 

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Held annually, the exhibition invites all young Welight artists aged 5–18 to showcase their creativity and artistic talents. We welcome original artworks created on or after 1 January 2026, across a variety of artistic styles and media.

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Artwork Categories

Participants may enter one of the following five categories:

1. Creative Drawing – Pencil, coloured pencil, charcoal, markers, ink and other drawing media.

2. Painting – Watercolour, acrylic, oil, gouache and other painting techniques.

3. Manga & Anime Art – Original manga and anime-inspired illustrations, character designs and comic art.

4. 3D Art & Sculpture – 3D printing, clay, sculpture and mixed-media three-dimensional artworks.

5. Picture Book & Illustration – Storytelling illustrations, picture book artwork and imaginative visual narratives.

 

Entry Requirements

All entries must be submitted online through the official entry form. Participants are required to upload a clear image of their artwork and deliver the original artwork to Welight Art Space after completing the online submission.

All original artworks must be received by Saturday, 19 December 2026.

Each student may submit one artwork only, so please choose carefully.

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Judging Criteria

Entries will be assessed based on two main areas:

• Technical Excellence – Artistic skills, effective use of materials, attention to detail and overall presentation.

• Creativity & Expression – Originality, imagination, personal style and the ability to communicate ideas, emotions and stories through art.

 

Finalists & Exhibition

Due to limited exhibition space, a maximum of 100 artworks will be selected as finalists and exhibited at Welight Art Space from 30 January to 28 February 2027.

Winners will be announced at the official exhibition opening on Saturday, 30 January 2027.

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Judge & Special Guest

The 2026 competition will be judged by renowned Chinese - Australian artist Ah Xian. 

We are also pleased to welcome Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor, who will deliver a speech and present the awards at the official opening.

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Awards & Prizes

We are grateful to our sponsors for supporting young artists and encouraging creativity.

 

3D Art & Sculpture

Proudly sponsored by Bambu Lab & 3D Bro.

• Gold Award: Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo 3D Printer

• Silver Award: $100 Gift Voucher

• Bronze Award: $50 Gift Voucher

 

Creative Drawing, Painting, Manga & Anime Art, and Picture Book & Illustration

Proudly sponsored by Reno Art & Pen Pen Studio.

• Gold Award: $200 Gift Voucher

• Silver Award: $100 Gift Voucher

• Bronze Award: $50 Gift Voucher

Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards will be presented in each category.

 

Important Dates

• Entry Deadline: 5:00 pm, Saturday 19 December 2026

• Exhibition Opening & Awards Ceremony: Saturday 30 January 2027

• Exhibition Period: 30 January – 28 February 2027