Calling all artists, designers, crafters and creatives – entries are now open for the Australian Wearable Art Festival 2026, with organisers inviting bold thinkers and creative risk-takers from across Australia and the world to bring their imagination to life on the runway.
Set to be held on 11 July 2026 at the Convention Centre, Novotel Sunshine Coast, next year’s festival promises an extraordinary new experience for Australia’s preeminent showcase of wearable art —where fashion meets sculpture, movement and performance.
Festival co-founder and curator Wendy Roe said entries are officially open, with the submission deadline 12 January 2026, and while final works can be completed closer to the event, early entry is essential.
“Every year, we see artists step up in scale, creativity and courage — and 2026 will be no exception,” Ms Roe said.
“With our new venue, we’re offering artists the opportunity to showcase their work to our biggest audiences yet — two full-scale shows with 1,000 guests each. The Convention Centre gives us a world-class canvas to immerse audiences completely in storytelling, artistry and design.
“From recycled plastics and metals to beads, fabric and light, wearable art is where imagination has no limits. Whether you’re a professional artist, costume designer, student or curious creator, this is the platform to explore what’s possible.”
Each year, the Australian Wearable Art Festival draws entries from across Australia and overseas, celebrating sustainability, innovation and theatrical design. The event has become a launchpad for artists seeking national exposure, professional development and creative collaboration.
Reigning Supreme Winners Evita Camilleri and Dan Draper, who took home the top prize in both 2022 and 2025, encourage new artists to take the plunge and enter.
“AWAF completely changed our creative journey. Our very first wearable art piece – made from 50,000 cable ties – won the Supreme Award in 2022. We came back with a beaded creation in 2024, and then another evolution of our cable-tie design in 2025,” Ms Camilleri said.
“This year we also selected as a finalist in this year’s World of WearableArt in New Zealand – something that we couldn’t have imagined could happen in just a few short years. The AWAF platform is an incredible experience – not just the competition itself, but the community, the mentoring, and the chance to see your work come alive on stage. We encourage anyone who’s ever dreamed of creating something extraordinary to give it a go. You never know where it might take you.”
Entries are open across multiple categories including Avant Garde, Trashion, Elements of Nature and Abstract Form, with additional awards recognising Sustainability, Textile Innovation and Performance Excellence.
The total prize pool for 2026 is valued at $15,500, with the Supreme Winner receiving $5,000 and opportunities for national exposure, commissions and career development.
Artists can submit their concepts and review entry guidelines at: www.australianwearableart.com.au/designer-entry
