2026 Parliamentary Education Cup—Your voice, your democracy   

The Queensland Parliament invites young artists to explore what democracy means to them through a creative lens.

Who can enter? 

The competition is open to:

  • Students in Year 4 to Year 12.
  • Students who live in Queensland.

Entries can be submitted by an individual student or as a collaborative artwork.

 

Categories

  • Junior—Year 4 to Year 6
  • Intermediate—Year 7 to Year 9
  • Senior—Year 10 to Year 12

 

What’s involved?

The artwork must respond to the question—What does democracy mean to me?

  • Create an artwork using any materials on any surface. The only caveat is that the artwork must be flat and suitable for hanging.
  • Maximum size: A0 (841 × 1189 mm).
  • Digitally created artwork (including AI‑generated art) or photography is not permitted.

 Each entry must also include:

  • An artist statement (maximum 150 words).
  • A high-quality photograph of the artwork.

Full details, terms and conditions are available in the Art Competition—competition guide.

 

Is there a prize?

Yes!

The Junior, Intermediate and Senior winners will:

  • Have their artwork displayed in the Parliamentary Annexe.
  • Be formally recognised in the Record of Proceedings (Hansard) through a Speaker’s Statement delivered by the Hon. Pat Weir MP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
  • Have their name engraved on our Parliamentary Education Cup, with the cup residing at the Senior winner’s school for the reminder of the 2026.
  • Receive a gift voucher (Junior: $100 ꘡ Intermediate: $200 ꘡ Senior: $300)

Finalists will:

  • Receive a certificate and engraved plaque.

 

Winning and finalist artworks may also be featured in education resources used by students across Queensland.

 

How do I enter?

Entering is easy.

  1. Ask a teacher or staff member at your school to register your interest using the 2026 Art Competition Registration Form.
  2. Create your artwork, artist statement—make sure you follow our specifications, terms and conditions.
  3. Ask a teacher or staff member at your school to submit your entry via the 2026 Art Competition Entry Form.

Please note—

  • A hardcopy of the artwork is only required if you are selected as a finalist.
  • Parent or legal guardian photo consent will be requested for finalists.

 

Key dates and deadlines

Art competition opens

Wednesday 1 April 2026

 

Register your interest opens

 

Wednesday 1 April 2026

Art competition closes

Friday 26 June 2026

5.00pm AEST

 

Winners announced

By Friday 14 August 2026

 

 

Resources