Shaun Tan Award for Young Artists

Entries for the 2026 awards will open 9.30am on Friday 24 April 2026.

All artworks must be an original, two-dimensional (2D) creation no bigger than 1 metre x 1.5 metre in size.

Secondary school entries are to be submitted digitally. If selected for shortlisting, physical artworks are to be submitted in person to Subiaco Library before Sunday 14 June 2026. 

Entries are judged individually in the following categories:

• Lower primary – school years one and two 

• Middle primary – school years three and four 

• Upper primary – school years five and six 

• Lower secondary – school years seven, eight and nine

• Upper secondary – school years ten, eleven and twelve

Entries are judged on their originality, concept, technique and choice of materials used. Please note: due to the high number of entries received for this award each year, individual feedback cannot be provided.

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 6 July to Sunday 2 August. All exhibited artists receive professional framing or mounting for their artworks. 

Shaun Tan is an acclaimed artist and writer who grew up in Perth. Subiaco Library has two impressive murals by Shaun Tan on display. The Tea Party features a riotous array of strange characters and landscapes and The 100 Year Picnic is based on a photograph from the 1920s found in the archives of the Subiaco Museum.

Shaun began drawing and painting images as a teenager, and has since become best known for illustrated books with surreal, dream-like imagery. Shaun's books have been translated into many languages and are enjoyed by readers of all ages. 
In 2011, Shaun won an Academy Award for his short film, The Lost Thing, and received the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award honouring his contribution to international children's literature.

Shaun Tan's Tales from Outer Suburbia (2008) has been adapted into a animated series for ABC iview. In Shaun Tan's evocative world, the family faces strange encounters and extraordinary experiences while trying to stick together. Visit ABC iview to watch the series. 

For more information about his work, visit Shaun Tan’s official website.

You can find the Shaun Tan Award for Young Artists 2026 frequently asked questions here.

You can find the Shaun Tan Award for Young Artists 2026 terms and conditions here.

Insurance is the responsibility of the entrant. Whilst all care is taken when storing and exhibiting works, the City of Subiaco accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage that may inadvertently occur. 

By entering this award, you acknowledge that your entry may be photographed and used in City of Subiaco publications and for future promotion of the award. Artworks will be displayed at Subiaco Library and may also be displayed at other venues around the City. The title of the artwork and artist’s name will always be acknowledged with the entry when it is used.
 

Media resources are available below for sharing to promote the 2026 Shaun Tan Awards:

• Award poster

• Social media tile

• Social media banner

• Email banner