Nunga Kids Art Competition
The Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People is proud to present the Nunga Kids Art Competition, celebrating the creativity, culture and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people across South Australia.
On this page
About the competition
Now in its third year, the Nunga Kids Art Competition continues to grow as an important platform for young people to express identity, culture and community through art.
The competition is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students from Preschool to Year 12 across South Australia.
Participants are invited to create an original artwork and share the story behind it in 100 words or less.
Theme: “50 Years of Deadly”
The 2026 competition aligns with the NAIDOC Week theme, “50 Years of Deadly”, inviting young artists to reflect on the strength, pride and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the past 50 years — and what being “deadly” means to them.
Artwork requirements
- Must reflect the theme: “50 Years of Deadly”
- Accepted formats include paper, canvas, or hardboard
- Size must be no smaller than A4 and no larger than A3
- Any materials can be used
The competition is open to:
- Early Years: Preschool – Year 2
- Junior Primary: Years 3 – 4
- Primary: Years 5 – 6
- Middle Years: Years 7 – 9
- Senior Years: Years 10 – 12
Competition guidelines
Participants are encouraged to read the competition guidelines before entering.
How to apply
Entries for the Nunga Kids Art Competition are now open!
Eligibility
Entrants must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
To participate:
- Complete the online Expression of Interest (EOI) form
- Submit your artwork by post or in person to:
Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People
Suite 3, 55 Currie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Entries close: Wednesday 24 September 2026
Exhibition and key dates
- Winners notified: by 9 October 2026
- Opening / Awards event: 19 October 2026
- Exhibition: 19 October – 12 November 2026 (venue to be confirmed)
Finalists will be invited to attend the official exhibition opening, where winners will be announced and celebrated.
Contact
Xena Habel
Senior Project Officer
8226 3322
commissioneracyp@sa.gov.au
2025 Winners
Preschool
Students in year 2
Cataleya Cuellar
Junior Primary
Students in years 3 & 4
Telicia Karpany
Primary
Students in years 5 & 6
Calean Thredgold
Middle
Students in years 7 to 9
Latish Karpany
Senior
Students in years 10 to 13
Leilani Gummow
2024 Winners
Preschool
Students in year 2
Evelyn Milera
Junior Primary
Students in years 3 & 4
Young person would like to remain anonymous
Primary
Students in years 5 & 6
Natayah Karpany
Middle
Students in years 7 to 9
Aleigha Peters
Senior
Students in years 10 to 13
Brianna Fergson
