HOTA Education Awards 2026

At HOTA, we are deeply committed to supporting the next generation of artists. We believe in the power of arts and culture to create lasting impact, and we recognise our responsibility to foster creative pathways for young people on the Gold Coast.

The HOTA Education Awards honour the artistic achievements of upper primary and secondary school students studying the Creative Arts. We believe that acknowledging students' passion, skill, and dedication during their school years helps lay the foundation for a vibrant cultural future in our region.

Each year, HOTA will provide one award per participating school, to be presented to a student who demonstrates enthusiasm, artistic proficiency, leadership, commitment to their practice, and a strong connection to their school’s creative community.

HOTA’s Education team will collaborate with each school to identify a deserving recipient in one of the following categories:

• HOTA Future Creative: A student in Years 6–10 who demonstrates outstanding promise in the creative arts and has the potential to further develop their skills during senior schooling. This student may be participating in curricular or co-curricular programs, or may simply demonstrate a strong aptitude, enthusiasm, or flair for the arts, and would benefit from additional encouragement and support.

• HOTA Cultural Leader: A Year 11 or 12 student who has made a significant and sustained contribution to the artistic and cultural life of their school community across any area of the creative arts. The student demonstrates leadership, initiative, and a commitment to the arts through creative practice, collaboration, advocacy, event involvement, peer mentoring, or other meaningful contributions. They also show strong potential and intent to pursue further study or a career in the arts beyond school.

Stipulations:

Schools must be located within the Gold Coast City Council LGA·

• One award will be supplied to each school by HOTA, for one student recipient only.

• Schools must select which category best fits with the award they wish to provide.

• Student name and category must be provided by the due date to ensure engraving can be completed. It is the school’s responsibility to provide accurate spelling.

• Schools are to include the approved HOTA logo on their award program or ceremony PowerPoint presentation. File to be emailed out prior to Term 4.

• The award is provided in-kind to schools. We ask that you consider accessing workshops, performances, or tours in the future to show your support for HOTA.

• This award may exist in addition to already existing cultural/arts awards in your school. It is our goal to contribute to the growing support for Arts subjects, therefore we do not expect you to cease longstanding award categories.

• Awards are limited to the first 25 schools who apply.

• Applications must be submitted by a faculty leader with approval from the school Principal or management. Inclusion of a school administration contact is necessary.

• We cannot provide awards prior to 9 October 2026. Please consider this if your award ceremony takes place prior to this date.

Applications close Monday 7 Sept 2026

You will receive:

• One physical trophy (or equivalent) with the award title engraved (where applicable)
• One HOTA Award Badge