Celebrate your favourite local spots in Willoughby through art and creativity in this exciting competition for students K-12.
Tuesday 1 June 2027
to Friday 3 July 2026
9:00am - 5:00pm
Customer Service, Willoughby City Council, 31 Victor Street, Chatswood, 2067
Free
Discover the beauty and stories hidden in Willoughby by encouraging your child to create an artwork inspired by a special local place. This competition invites young artists from Kindergarten to Year 12 to express their connection to parks, playgrounds, reserves, or quiet walkways that hold meaning for them.
Participants can explore various art forms including drawing, painting, collage, illustration, or mixed media, focusing on two-dimensional works that capture the essence of their chosen hidden gem. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to develop their artistic skills while celebrating their community.
Winning entries will be showcased at the lively StreetFair 2026, offering recognition and prizes, including certificates and gift cards. Selected artworks will also be printed on postcards available to the public, giving young artists a platform to shine.
The competition opens on Monday, 1 June 2026, and closes on Friday, 3 July 2026 at 17:00. Entrants must submit their original artworks on the official template (185mm x 135mm), either portrait or landscape, ensuring the work is flat and suitable for scanning.
Entries are accepted from students who live or attend school within the Willoughby City Council area, with one entry per student allowed. Submissions can be made individually or through schools. A short description of up to 50 words explaining the significance of the chosen hidden gem is encouraged.
Judging will be conducted by a panel appointed by Willoughby City Council, with winners notified by Monday, 13 July 2026. The competition strictly prohibits offensive, political, copyrighted, or inappropriate content.
Artwork submissions can be delivered by hand to the Willoughby City Council Customer Service Centre at 31 Victor Street, Chatswood, NSW 2067, Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00. Alternatively, entries can be posted to PO Box 57, Chatswood NSW 2067.
Chatswood is easily accessible by public transport and offers ample parking nearby, making drop-off convenient for busy parents. The winning artworks will be displayed at the StreetFair event in Chatswood, providing a festive community atmosphere to celebrate the artists.
Please ensure artworks are original and two-dimensional without loose materials such as glitter or fabric pieces that are not securely attached. Entries will not be returned unless arranged with the council.
By participating, entrants grant Willoughby City Council the right to reproduce and publicise their artwork and personal details for promotional purposes related to the competition and Emerge Festival.
For any questions or assistance, parents and students can contact the Festival and Events team via email at events@willoughby.nsw.gov.au.
Participation in the Hidden Gems Art Competition is completely free. There is no cost to enter or submit artwork.
Parents are encouraged to download the official entry form from the council’s website to get started. Remember to submit your child’s entry before the closing date on 3 July 2026 to be in the running for prizes and public recognition.
