SQUARES 2025
Strathnairn Arts’ 19th 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 19th year.
After a huge year with around 350 entries in 2024 we can’t wait to see what amazing entries we receive in 2025!
Corrina Robey, The Beetle, Winner of the Packers and Sitters Award 2024
How do I enter?
Pay for your entry here
Fill in the registration form
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 entry form attached to the back to the Homestead at Strathnairn Arts after 10 am Wednesday 4 May and before 4 pm Sunday 15 June. No late entries will be accepted.
Key dates
Registration opens: Thursday 17 April, 2025
Registration closes: Sunday 15 June (Or until sold out)
Deliver finished work (unframed) to the Homestead at Strathnairn Arts: Wednesday 4 May to Sunday 15 June, 2025
Exhibition dates: 28 June - 27 July
Voting opens: 28 June
Voting closes: 3 pm, Saturday 26 July
Award presentation: 2 pm, Sunday 27 July
Collection of unsold work: Sunday 27 July from 4 pm or before August 24. Entries not collected will be disposed of on August 25
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get my canvas from?
Collect your canvas from the Homestead Shop (Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm)
Where do I get the entry form from?
Collect a copy with your canvas from the Homestead Shop (Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm)
Or you can print your own at home
Please note that the entry form MUST be attached to the back of your entry
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 2024 but didn’t get a chance to enter last year, can I use it in 2025?
Yes, absolutely! You will still need to submit a new registration form and pay the entry fee for 2025.
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. Tape your entry form to the back of your canvas and please address your work to:
ATT: Squares 2024
Strathnairn Arts Association
90 Stockdill Drive
Holt ACT 2615
Can I sell my art work?
Yes, Squares Artworks are for sale unless otherwise specified. Strathnairn Arts will take a 33% commission on all sales.
