2025 Young Drawers Prize

In addition to the main competition, M16 Artspace is proud to host the fourth annual Young Drawers Prize for artists under the age of 18.


Celebrating the creativity of Australia’s next generations, we are thrilled to present the fourth ever M16 Artspace Young Drawers Prize. After a hiatus in 2024, the competition is back to shine a spotlight on the artistic brilliance of young talents, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and innovation in the realm of drawing. This competition highlights the creative brilliance of young talents, with a particular emphasis on their innovation in the field of drawing.

Entrants from the ACT and across Australia are invited to participate, showcasing works completed in the past year.

This year we will host the Digital Drawing Prize for the second time, generously sponsored by Kim Chapman and Liz Anderson. This category welcomes artists who harness the power of technology to redefine the boundaries of drawing.

Entrants from across Australia are invited to participate, showcasing works completed in the past year. Each prize is divided into two age-based categories: Senior (ages 12-18) and Junior (11 and under), ensuring a fair and inclusive evaluation process.

The culmination of the Young Drawers Prize is an exhibition hosted at M16 Artspace from 29th November - 14th December 2025. This showcase will highlight the finalists' outstanding creations, providing them with a platform to share their talent with a wider audience.

 

Main Prize


Senior (ages 12-18) : $300 art supplies voucher sponsored by Capital Chemist
Junior (11 and under) : $200 art supplies voucher sponsored by Capital Chemist

Digital Drawing Prize

Senior Digital Drawing Prize (ages 12-18) : $300 art supplies voucher sponsored by Kim Chapman & Liz Anderson
Junior Digital Drawing Prize (11 and under) : $200 art supplies voucher sponsored by Kim Chapman & Liz Anderson

 
 
 

2023 Young Drawers Prize Finalists (Senior)

 
 
 

2023 Young Drawers Prize Finalists (Junior)

 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Young Drawers Prize is an annual exhibition and award for artists aged 5–18. It celebrates creativity in drawing and related practices, giving young artists the chance to exhibit at M16 Artspace.

  • Anyone aged 5–18 years living in Australia.

  • Applications are submitted online through M16 Artspace’s website. You’ll need to fill out the entry form and upload an image of your artwork by the closing date.

  • Entries close Sunday, 12th October 2025 at 11:59 pm (AEST).

  • It’s free to enter.

  • You can enter drawings and drawing-related works, including traditional drawing, digital drawing, mixed media, and works on paper.

  • Works must not exceed A4 (21cm x 30cm)

  • All works must be unframed and unmounted to be eligible.

  • No. Works entered into the Young Drawers Prize are not for sale during the exhibition.

    • Entries close: Sunday, 12th October 2025 at 11:59 pm (AEST).

    • Finalists announced: Wednesday 12th November 2025

    • Delivery of artworks to M16: Tuesday 11th November 2025

    • Exhibition dates: Saturday 29th November – Sunday 14th December 2025

    • Winners announced: Opening night, Saturday 29th November

  • Finalists will be notified by email 31st October 2025.

    • Works must be delivered to M16 Artspace by Tuesday 11th November 2025

    • You can deliver in person or send by courier.

    • Artists must cover all transport and packaging costs.

  • Yes. Works must come with suitable reusable packaging for return transport. If no packaging is provided, M16 Artspace cannot return the work.

  • Yes. The Digital Drawing Prize recognises innovative works created using digital tools.

  • A judging panel will select finalists and prize winners. Decisions are final and no feedback will be given on individual entries.

    • A clear, good-quality photo of the artwork

    • File named as: Artist Name_Artwork Title__ Year Completed. Image credit.jpg

    • Maximum file size: 3MB

  • Yes, but parental or guardian permission must be provided for all artists under 18.

  • Artists keep copyright of their work. By entering, you grant M16 Artspace a licence to use images of your work for marketing, publicity, and exhibition purposes.

  • Full terms and conditions are available on the M16 Artspace website.