What happens next?
Submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee selection.
All eligible entries will be assessed by an independent judging panel. Four artists—one representing each of the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Birpai and Worimi Nations—will be selected based on artistic merit, originality, cultural authenticity, interpretation of the Festival theme and how well the artwork contributes to the overall Festival identity.
Successful artists will be contacted from Monday 21 September 2026 and invited to enter into an Artist Agreement with Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance Aboriginal Corporation. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their submission by email.
Selected artists will receive a professional artwork commission, royalties from the sale of official Festival merchandise featuring their artwork, and will retain copyright in their artwork under the terms of the Artist Agreement.
The National Aboriginal Design Agency (NADA) will work collaboratively with each selected artist to prepare the artwork for reproduction across Festival branding, merchandise and promotional materials while respecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).
Privacy
The information you provide will only be used by Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance Aboriginal Corporation to administer the Saltwater Freshwater Festival 2027 Official Artwork Competition. Your personal information will not be shared with third parties without your consent unless required by law.
Submit
Thank you for entering the Saltwater Freshwater Festival 2027 Official Artwork Competition.
We look forward to seeing your artwork and celebrating the creativity, stories and cultural strength of the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Birpai and Worimi Nations.