Digital art competition

Hey young artists of Queensland! Got a flair for digital art?

In the lead up to Queensland Youth Week (11-19 April), you’re invited to submit your artwork to our digital art competition. The competition is an opportunity to showcase your artistry and innovation and highlight the social and economic contributions young Queenslanders bring to our state.

This is your moment to let your creativity shine. Let us see what young Queenslanders can do.

What we’re looking for

We want to see digital artwork that captures the spirit of you – our young Queenslanders. Artwork that celebrates, inspires, and empowers. Show us how you are shaping your future, thriving in your community, and living your best life.

The judges will be an independent panel of other young Queenslanders.

They will judge your artwork against 4 key criteria:

• Suitability to use as branding for Queensland Youth Week 2027, including:
  • compliance with the Terms and Conditions
  • how clear and readable it is.

• Artistic talent and visual appearance, including:
  • if your artwork is aesthetically pleasing
  • use of tools and techniques to create a complex piece.
Please note this criterion is judged with consideration to your age and experience—12-year-olds will not be judged the same as 25-year-olds.
• Clear direction, messaging and meaning.
• Representation of young Queenslanders’ values, themes, and feelings. Remember—the winning artwork will be representing your cohort (12-25) during QYW 2027, so it needs to be relatable!

Check out the winning entry from last year, entitled “Commute” by Yifei Hu.

What's in it for you

The top 3 artists will receive:

• 1^st place: $1000 and an exclusive license agreement with the Department of Housing and Public Works (the department). Your artwork will become the face of Queensland Youth Week 2027.
• 2^nd place: $500 and a non-exclusive license agreement with the department.
• 3^rd place: $250 and a non-exclusive license agreement with the department.

Eligibility

• If you're aged 12 to 25 and are a Queensland resident, you're in!
• If you're under 18, first get a thumbs-up from a parent or guardian to join in.
• If we ask, you'll need to be able to show proof you live in Queensland and proof of your age.

Artwork must-dos

• Comply with the terms and conditions.
• Originality: Your artwork needs to be something you made all by yourself (sorry, no AI-generated stuff).
• Digital format: Your artwork must be a digital creation (that's art made on a computer or a digital device).
• A new piece: We're excited to see something new, so it must be art you haven’t shown anywhere before.
• Keep it G-rated: Nothing offensive or inappropriate.
• Cultural respect: If you use traditional Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander designs, stories, or symbols in your work, make sure you have the right permissions. Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) recognises that First Nations people have special rights over their traditional art, stories, and culture. When making art for this competition, it's important to respect these rights and ask for permission from the traditional Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community or custodians of those cultural elements. Find more about ICIP.
• You can only submit one piece, so make it your best!

Submit your entry

• Save your artwork in a digital image format (JPEG or PNG).
• Submit your entry online by 5pm, Sunday 22 March 2026.

Submit your entry now

Dates to remember

• Competition opens: Friday, 30 January 2026.
• Competition closes: 5pm, Sunday 22 March 2026.
• Winners announced: During Queensland Youth Week (11 – 19 April)

More information

If you're curious about anything or need more information, get in touch with us at QYW@hpw.qld.gov.au. We'll post any updates here on our website or you can follow us on Instagram or Facebook.