Budding artists across the New England region are invited to explore the beauty of botany through the UNE Discovery Seeds of Science Art Competition, held in the lead-up to National Science Week.
Presented by the UNE Discovery Voyager team, the competition celebrates the beauty, complexity and importance of botany, seeds and the life that begins beneath the surface, inviting artists of all ages to respond creatively to this year’s theme.
“Whether through drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, or digital media, we encourage creative interpretations that explore the science, wonder, and diversity of the plant world,” said Rachel de Lastic, UNE Discovery Voyager Project Officer.
“We encourage all interpretations of the theme, including works that reflect our beautiful native seeds, flowers and pollinators, local landscapes, human connections to seeds, and the intricate structures, patterns and textures of seeds.”
Selected finalists will have their work exhibited at the UNE Dixson Library, with winners announced at the exhibition opening on Friday 21 August.
The exhibition will run until 20 September 2026.
“The exhibition is just one of the exciting activations UNE Discovery will be running as part of National Science Week in August, with other highlights including pop-up stalls at local markets and shopping centres, a trivia night at the Welder’s Dog Brewery, and a spotlighting event at the Blue Hole near Armidale,” said Rachel.
More information about the Seeds of Science Art Competition is available here, while the full UNE Discovery National Science Week program can be found here.
Seeds of Science Art Competition
Categories
- Junior (Kindergarten-Year 6)
- Secondary (Years 7-12)
- Open (18 years and over)
Theme
Seeds of Science
Eligible works
2D artworks must be no smaller than A5 (148 mm × 210 mm) and no larger than A2 (420 mm × 594 mm). Accepted media include drawing, painting, printmaking, collage and textiles, including watercolour, oils, acrylic, charcoal, pencil, ink, graphite, pastels and chalk. Sculpture is also accepted, and digital artists are encouraged to enter.
Entry fee
Free.
Entries close
Complete the online entry form, including artwork details and up to six high-quality images, by 6 pm on Sunday 19 July 2026.
Prizes
First, second and third prizes will be awarded in each category, along with a People’s Choice Award in each category.
Exhibition opening
Friday 21 August 2026, 7-9 pm
UNE Dixson Library. Visitors will be invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award.
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