Calling all writers and artists! Here is a list of competitions for writing and illustrating open to children aged 12 and under. The list will be updated as often as we can. (Note: most of these competitions will be open to Australian residents only.)
Some tips when it comes to entering competitions:
- Writing comps are a good way to hone your writing skills and to work to a deadline.
- If you don’t win, it doesn’t mean your work is bad—don’t lose heart, just keep at it!
- Many writing/art competitions have free entry for kids. If there IS an entry fee, check with your parent/guardian about whether it’s a reputable competition. (Some competitions ask you to pay large amounts of money to enter, or say it is free to enter but then want you to buy a book with all the ‘winners’ writing published. It’s usually a good idea to avoid those sorts of competitions.)
- Read all the entry conditions. And read them again! You don’t want to be disqualified for going over the word limit or missing the closing date.
- We list competitions here but we are not usually affiliated with those competitions and do not necessarily endorse them. You will need to check with a parent/guardian before entering.
Shaun Tan Award for Young Artists (Entries close 22 May 2023)
Art award open to residents of Western Australia at school in grades 1 to 12.
Artworks can be drawings, paintings, digital art and mixed media works.
Digital art must be printed and physically submitted.
All artwork must be original, two-dimensional (2D) creation no bigger than 1 meter x 1.5 metre
in size.
Entries are judged on their originality, concept, technique and choice of materials used.
ENTRY: FREE
PRIZES: Prizes are donated from the City of Subiaco and award sponsors and are presented to the top three entries in each category. A selection of the best artworks entered will feature in a month long public exhibition at Subiaco Library from Monday 10 July to Sunday 6 August. All exhibited artists receive professional framing or mounting for their artworks.
Keep an eye on the website for the 2023 Awards
Furphy Literary Awards (Entries close 31 May 2023)
Open to residents of the Goulbourn Valley or students who attend school there. Enter a short story or a poem. Word and line limits apply, see competition website for details.
ENTRY: FREE
PRIZES: Cash prizes
Check out the entry requirements
Dymocks Beyond Words Creative Writing Competition (Entries close 31 May 2023)
Open to primary and high school students across Australia. Write a story 500 – 1500 words. There is no theme.
ENTRY: FREE
PRIZES: 1st – $5000; 2nd $2000; Shortlist: $500 (8 shortlisted awards).
Check out the entry requirements
Craig Silvey Award for Young Writers (formerly the Tim Winton Writing Awards – Entries due to open in June)
The Craig Silvey Award for Young Writers will be open to Western Australian school students in years one to twelve. Full details about the awards and how to enter will be available on the City of Subiaco’s website.
South Perth Young Writers Award. (Entries close 4 June 2023)
Open to all students from Year one through to Year 12 who live in or attend school within the City of South Perth, Western Australia.
Write a prose piece up to 1500 words maximum.
ENTRY: FREE
PRIZES: Shortlisted entries will be invited to attend a workshop to refine their pieces before the final round of judging takes place. Final prizes unspecified.
Check out the entry requirements
CBCA Make Your Own Storybook Competition (Entries Close 9 June 2023)
This competition is open to all WA students from Pre Primary to Year 8. Individual and school based entries accepted. The Make Your Own Story Book Competition is held annually and attracts entries from young people statewide.
ENTRY: FREE
PRIZES: yes
Check out the entry requirements + tips on how to make a storybook
Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards (Entries close 30 June 2023)
Only students enrolled in Australian education facilities (K-12) are eligible to enter. Write a poem on any topic. Optional theme: The winding road.
ENTRY: Entry fees apply
PRIZES: cash, trophies and prize packs in various judged categories.
Check out the entry requirements and enter online
Golden Pen Writing Award (Entries close 26 August 2023)
Open to Western Australian students in Grades 4 to 12. Write a short story no longer than 3000 words that addresses the theme ‘Explore the world of Creative Bravery’. Submitted entries must not have received an award in a previous public writing competition. Individuals are welcome to submit up to three entries.
ENTRY: FREE
PRIZES: Three shortlisted entrants in the Junior Category (Grades 4 – 6) will receive a $100 book voucher and have their story published on the Scribblers website. The overall winner will also receive a $200 cash prize.
Check out the entry requirements
Roland Leach Poetry Prize 2023
Details to come.
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