SQUARES 2024
Strathnairn Arts’ 18th People’s Choice Award
People’s Choice Award (open) $1000
Sitters and Packers Award $500
People’s Choice Award (13 to 18 years) $500
People’s Choice Award (Under 12) $250
Get creative!
Canberra’s favourite people’s choice award is back!
Open to young or old, professional or hobbyist, abstract or surrealist, and every artist in between, Strathnairn’s annual community art competition Squares is back for its 18th year.
After a record 319 entries in 2023, we can’t wait to see what this year brings!
Squares is made possible thanks to the amazing support of our neighbours, Ginninderry.
The winning entry from 2023, Cockatoo, by Lindsay Timmiss.
How do I enter?
Register online before Sunday 4 August.
Collect your canvas from the Homestead Shop at Strathnairn Art showing your proof of registration (or source your own canvas if you prefer - just make sure it’s 12” square).
Get creative!
Once you’ve finished, deliver your unframed entry with an Artwork Label to the Homestead at Strathnairn Arts after 10 am Wednesday 7 August and before 4 pm Sunday 18 August. No late entries will be accepted.
Key dates
Registration opens: Wednesday 12 June, 2024
Registration closes: Sunday 4 August, 2024
Deliver finished work (unframed) to the Homestead at Strathnairn Arts: Wednesday 7 August to Sunday 18 August, 2024
Exhibition dates: 24 August - 22 September
Voting opens: 12 pm, Saturday 24 August, 2024
Voting closes: 3 pm, Saturday 21 September, 2024
Award presentation: 2 pm, Sunday 22 September, 2024
Collection of unsold work: Sunday 22 September from 4 pm or within the following four weeks (Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get my canvas from?
Collect your canvas from the Homestead Shop (Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm) after you have registered online.
I can’t fill out the registration form.
If you are unable to fill out the registration form, visit the Homestead Shop and our friendly staff can help you register over the counter.
Where do I get the Artwork Label from?
Collect a copy with your canvas from the Homestead Shop (Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm)
If you’ve misplaced it, you can download it here and print another copy at home.
How many entries can I submit?
There is a maximum of two entries per person ($25 per entry).
Can I purchase a canvas from somewhere else?
Yes, as long as the size is 12″ x 12″ / 30.5 x 30.5 cm / 30 x 30 cm (stretched and unframed).
I have a canvas from 2023 but didn’t get a chance to enter last year, can I use it in 2024?
Yes, absolutely! You will still need to submit a new registration form and pay the entry fee for 2024.
Does my work have to be on a canvas?
Yes, all works must be on canvas. You cannot use a board or other surface even if it is the same size.
Do I need to frame my work?
No, framed works will be deemed ineligible for entry. Unframed works are much easier for our team to hang in large groups, and also make the competition more inclusive (some entrants might not have access to framing) and fairer (helps ensure the winner is picked on the artwork itself, not the quality of it’s framing).
I have an idea for a work which will stand out deeper than the canvas (collage, sculpture etc) is this ok?
Yes, but the maximum depth including canvas is 10 cm.
Can I enter from interstate?
Yes, interstate entries are most welcome but works must be received by the closing date and all postage will be at your cost. Ensure you have included an Artwork Label and please address your work to:
ATT: Squares 2024
Strathnairn Arts Association
90 Stockdill Drive
Holt ACT 2615
Will be the works be for sale?
Yes all works are for sale. Strathnairn Arts will keep 33% of all sales.
Sponsored by
As an innovative and sustainable community of international significance, Ginninderry is inspiring a new way of living. How? By doing things a little differently.