The City of Subiaco’s prestigious Shaun Tan Award for Young Artists is returning for its 24th year in 2026, with entries set to open on Friday 24 April.
The award, named after Perth-born author, illustrator, artist and Academy Award winner Shaun Tan, was established to celebrate the imagination, innovation, and creativity of young local artists.
Budding artists from years one to twelve in Western Australia are encouraged to enter a unique piece of two-dimensional art into the award.
The award has grown significantly over the years, with more than 1000 entries received on average each year, and a high percentage of submissions from regional areas across the state.
Award patron Shaun Tan has some helpful advice for young artists; “The main thing you need to do is draw and draw and paint and paint and figure it out for yourselves, the real learning happens on your own.”
“What this award is really about is the ability for young people who often don’t have the facility to share their original pieces with an audience in an exhibition easily, outside of their family or school, to then show it in a public space such as the library. You’d be hard pressed to find any art show with this much diversity of subject and style and sheer energy,” he said.
Mayor David McMullen said the award continues to be an important platform for young creatives across the state.
“For more than two decades, this award has celebrated the imagination, talent, and creativity of young artists. The range and intricacy of submitted artworks impresses, year upon year. The City is proud to provide this annual opportunity for young creatives to share their work with the wider community, develop their artistic abilities, and see their artworks exhibited.”
In the lead up to the award opening, a series of artist workshops will take place at Subiaco Library during the April school holidays, where young artists can learn methods and techniques for creating art. Visit
www.subiaco.wa.gov.au/events to register for your free spot.
Finalists will be recognized at a presentation ceremony, where prizes will be awarded on behalf of the City of Subiaco and award sponsors. The top 50 artworks will be exhibited at Subiaco Library.
Entries open on Friday 24 April, 9.30am and close on Monday 18 May, 5.30pm. For more, visit www.subiaco.wa.gov.au/shauntanaward.
The 2026 Shaun Tan Award is made possible by generous contributions from our award sponsors: Kool Kreative, Jacksons Drawing Supplies, Dymocks Subiaco, Mirage Digital, and Janet Holmes à Court AC.