The Waste 2 Art community art exhibition and competition is back in 2026 and is challenging the way we look at waste with this year’s theme ‘Shrink Your Footprint’.
Waste 2 Art offers an innovative approach to waste education by encouraging people to repurpose rubbish into works of art. The aim is to change people’s perceptions about waste and celebrate recycling.
Orange City Council’s Sustainability Community Committee Chair, Cr David Mallard says this year’s theme encourages participants to create art that fits within a shoebox.
“Think small and find uses for waste items which can’t be recycled but can be converted into something creative,” Cr Mallard said.
“By turning everyday objects headed for landfill into meaningful miniature art, Waste 2 Art shares its waste reduction message in such a unique way, by encouraging the community to showcase their creativity.”
“Waste 2 Art appeals to a large cross-section of the community, from aspiring and professional artists to schools and community groups, and is a great way to highlight the amount of waste created by our communities every day.”
The competition includes the following categories:
Primary School
- 2 Dimensional
- 3 Dimensional
- Functional – Utilitarian or serves a purpose
Secondary School
- 2 Dimensional
- 3 Dimensional
- Functional – Utilitarian or serves a purpose
Community
- 2 Dimensional
- 3 Dimensional
- Functional – Utilitarian or serves a purpose
Open
- 2 Dimensional
- 3 Dimensional
- Functional – Utilitarian or serves a purpose
Two free community workshops will be held for Orange residents at the Environmental Learning Facility at Orange Showground for interested participants to share ideas about their artworks and receive guidance and advice from local artist Jaq Davis:
- Saturday 2 May, 2-5pm: for children and their parents or carers
- Sunday 3 May 9am -12pm: for families with older children, community groups and other individuals.
For more information or to book your spot, contact Orange City Library on 6393 8132, email mengel@cwl.nsw.gov.au or visit Eventbrite here and here
Waste 2 Art entries close on Monday 18 May and the exhibition will be held in Orange City Library from Monday 25 May to Friday 5 June. The winners will be announced on Friday 29 May.
The winners of the Orange competition will progress to the regional competition and exhibition at the Albert Kersten Mining and Minerals Museum in Broken Hill from 10 August to 15 September, with cash prizes totalling $11,500 thanks to sponsors Access Recycling.
Entry forms are now available for this year’s exhibition and competition here.
