young creatives award 2026
2026 theme: Portal
Now open · artists aged 13 - 25
Yarra Valley Arts' new online art prize for young artists. Show your work, join the exhibition, and every entry comes with a year's Youth Membership.
Mark your calendar
Your first step into exhibiting
The Yarra Valley Arts Young Creatives Award celebrates the imagination, talent and creativity of young artists aged 13 to 25. Whether you're creating for the very first time or already developing your practice, we invite you to share your work and become part of the Yarra Valley Arts creative community. The 2026 theme is Portal, take it wherever your imagination leads.
Every eligible entry is included in the online Virtual Young Creatives Exhibition. From there, our panel of judges selects five finalists in each age category, whose original works are exhibited in person at the Healesville Memo Foyer during Yarra Valley Arts Open Studios 2026.
Every entry includes a year's Youth Membership
- A place in the Virtual Young Creatives Exhibition
- The chance to be a finalist, exhibited at the Memo Foyer
- Discounted entry to all YVA workshops & classes
- Invitations to exhibitions, talks and creative events
- Access to future exhibition opportunities
- A welcoming community of artists and mentors
- Voting rights at General Meetings (members 18–25)
Find your category
The Award is open to artists aged 13 to 25, in two categories. Judges select five finalists from each. Your entry fee includes a year of Youth Membership. (Under‑13s are welcome to join YVA as free Youth Members, though the Award itself starts at 13.)
Every artist is recognised
Every entrant
- A Young Creatives Award Certificate of Participation
- Your work in the Virtual Young Creatives Exhibition
Finalists
- A Finalist Certificate
- Artwork exhibited at the Healesville Memo Foyer during Open Studios 2026
- Promotion through YVA's website, newsletter and socials
- Invitation to the Awards Presentation
Category winners
- A Winner Certificate
- Prize money or an art voucher
- Recognition at the Awards Presentation
- Promotion through YVA's website, newsletter and socials
Every vote backs a young artist
During the exhibition, visitors, family and friends vote for their favourite finalist. Voting is just $1 per vote, and 100% of what's raised goes straight into the People's Choice prize. The winner receives a certificate, the cash prize, and promotion across YVA's channels.
Entering is easy
Ready your artwork
Create one original artwork on the theme "Portal" and take a clear photo of it. Any medium is welcome, from drawing and painting to sculpture.
Fill in the entry form
Add your details, pick your age category and upload your work. Under‑18s enter with a parent or guardian.
Confirm your entry
Pay your entry fee at checkout (free for under‑12s). This also activates your year of Youth Membership.
Join the exhibition
Your work goes into the Virtual Young Creatives Exhibition, and you'll hear if you're selected as a finalist.
Questions, answered
Who can enter?
Any young artist aged 13 to 25, in one of two categories: 13 to 17, and 18 to 25. Under‑18s enter with a parent or guardian. (Under‑13s are welcome to join YVA as free Youth Members, but the Award itself is for ages 13 and up.)
What does it cost?
$10 for ages 13 to 17, and $20 for ages 18 to 25. Your entry fee includes a full year of Youth Membership.
What kind of artwork can I enter?
One original artwork in any medium, including drawing, painting and sculpture, responding to the 2026 theme, "Portal." Full entry conditions are linked with the entry form.
Do I have to be a member already?
No. Entering the Award includes your Youth Membership for the year, so entering is how you join.
What happens if I'm chosen as a finalist?
Your original artwork is exhibited at the Healesville Memo Foyer during Open Studios 2026, you're promoted across YVA's channels, and you're invited to the Awards Presentation.
Share your work with the Valley
Enter the Young Creatives Award, join the exhibition, and step into the Yarra Valley Arts community.