High school students across the New England and Australia are being invited to showcase their creativity in a new national art competition launched by the University of New England.
UNE’s inaugural Cover Artist of the Year competition is open to students in Years 9-12, with the winning artwork to feature on the cover of the university’s 2028 Course Guide.
The winner will also receive $5,000 and have their work exhibited at the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM).
Students are being asked to respond to the theme “Unconventional” using any two-dimensional medium, including painting, drawing, illustration, graphic design or mixed media.
The competition aims to highlight individual artistic expression at a time when artificial intelligence is becoming more common in creative work.
Entrants can use AI tools as part of the creative process, but the final artwork must reflect their own perspective, creative direction and artistic intent. An artist statement must also accompany each entry.
UNE Director of Marketing Michaela Lobb said the award would give young artists a national platform.
“Young artists are developing their creative practice at a time of rapid technological and social change. Whether entrants work by hand, digitally or with emerging technology, we are interested in the thinking and artistic direction that make their work distinctly their own,” Lobb said.
“The award creates an opportunity for those perspectives to be showcased nationally. Through UNE’s collaboration with NERAM, the winning artist will have their work exhibited within a leading regional cultural institution and featured on more than 25,000 copies of UNE’s 2028 Course Guide. Together, these platforms take the work from something personal to something public, connecting a young artist’s creative voice with communities across Australia.”
The winning artwork will be adapted for the cover of UNE’s 2028 Course Guide, which will be distributed nationally throughout 2027.
The original artwork will also be featured inside the guide with full artist credit before being professionally photographed, framed and exhibited at NERAM.
NERAM Art Museum Director Rachael Pearson said the opportunity could be an important step for young artists.
“Opportunities like this are incredibly important for young artists. Having your work selected, exhibited in a professional art museum and seen by a wider audience can be a powerful affirmation that your creative practice matters.”
“At NERAM, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for young people to develop their ideas, take their creativity seriously and see themselves as artists. We’re delighted to be part of UNE’s initiative that gives emerging young artists a genuine platform to share their work and imagine where their creative practice might take them,” said Pearson.
UNE will also present an Emerging Voice Award for an outstanding Year 9 or 10 student and a People’s Choice Award.
All finalists will have their work displayed at NERAM.
The competition is free to enter and no formal art qualifications are required. Regional and First Nations students are particularly encouraged to apply.
Entries opened on September 3 and close on September 23, 2026, with all submissions to be made digitally.
More information is available at une.edu.au/coverartcomp.
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