Winners announced for the 2026 Shaun Tan Award for Young Artists
Last night, the City of Subiaco announced the winners of the prestigious 2026 Shaun Tan Award for Young Artists.
Jolie Reutens from Shenton College won first place in the Upper Secondary category with a piece called When We Still Fit, which the judges described as “alive, joyful and cheeky.”
Meishun Zhao from St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls took out the Lower Secondary category with their piece Mr Jack Yan, which features a subject that the judges found to be “adorable with a wonderful expression.”
From the Primary entrants, Amy Xinnian Chen from Highgate Primary School won the Upper Primary category with A Meal of Euphoria, Isabella Leong from Oberthur Primary School tied for first place in the Middle Primary category with Entering the Giant’s Book Nook, which she shared with Leo Malicdem from Perth Art School-Du FN Academy of Fine Arts for A Little Nap, and Daisy Robertson from Yuluma Primary School won the Lower Primary Category with My Family as Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos.
Award patron Shaun Tan delivered a virtual speech on the award night, during which he praised the standard of entries in this year’s award.
“I’m blown away by the standard of work submitted this year – I don’t just mean good drawing and painting, but the sheer variety of subjects, the sensitivity of feeling, the patience, and the hard work invested,” he said.
Shaun also had some words of advice for young artists in attendance: “Draw, draw, draw, you will get better and better. Really try to finish everything you do. And, be your own best critic – only you can decide if your work is good or bad, nobody else.”
Mayor David McMullen congratulated the winners and finalists in the 2026 award.
“The creativity, imagination, and technical skill we see in entries every year is quite amazing.
“The City is proud to support opportunities like this award to celebrate emerging talent, and encourage the next generation of artists across the state.”
The winning artworks were selected by a panel of judges made up of artists and illustrators. The awards are supported by sponsors Kool Kreative, Jacksons, Dymocks Subiaco, Mirage Digital, and Janet Holmes à Court AC.
The exhibition can be viewed at Subiaco Library until Sunday 2 August. View the full list of finalists and winners via www.subiaco.wa.gov.au/award.