SQUARES 2026
Strathnairn Arts’ 20th 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
Canberra’s favourite people’s choice award is back and we’re bigger than ever!
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 20th year.
This year for the first time ever the Squares exhibition will span two galleries, The Woolshed & The Link Artspace at Ginninderry!
Anne Marie Vogt, Orange Reflections, Winner of the Packers and Sitters Award Squares 2025
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 your name and to the Homestead at Strathnairn Arts between July 1st and July 17th No late entries will be accepted.
Key dates
Registration opens: Saturday 23rd May
Registration closes: July 17th (Or until sold out)
Deliver finished work (unframed) to the Homestead at Strathnairn Arts: Between Wednesday 1st and Friday 17th, July. 10am - 3 p.m. Late works will not be accepted.
Exhibition dates: 1 - 23 August 2026
Voting opens: Saturday August 1st
Voting closes: Saturday August 22 @ 4pm
Award presentation: 2 p.m. Sunday, August 23rd
Collection of unsold work: August 23rd from 4 pm after the closing ceremony. Then from the homestead shop: starting Wednesday, 26th August 10 am–3 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Entries not collected by Sunday September 20th will be disposed of at the discretion of management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get my canvas from?
Collect your canvas from the Homestead Shop (Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm)
Where should I label my work?
You must write your name and artwork title clearly on the back of the canvas (if you do not do this the installation team will label your work.)
Please note that works that cannot be identified are not eligible for exhibition.
How many entries can I submit?
There is a maximum of two entries per person ($30 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 2025 but didn’t get a chance to enter last year, can I use it in 2026?
Yes, absolutely! You will still need to submit a new registration form and pay the entry fee for 2026.
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. Make sure you write your name and artwork title on the back of your canvas and please address your work to:
ATT: Squares 2026
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.
