Waste to Art Competition

The competition is free to enter and open to individuals, schools, and community groups across the Wide Bay area.

Entrants may submit works in both the Waste to Art and Wearable Art categories, with different artwork and separate entry forms.

A maximum of one entry is allowed per person in each category, or up to five entries per group or organisation. 

All entries must be made primarily from waste materials - items that would otherwise end up in landfill, from op shops, tip shops, or second-hand sources.

Minimal use of new materials is allowed only where structurally necessary.

Please read the Terms and Conditions before entering.

Waste to Art Terms and ConditionsWearable Art Terms and Conditions

Winners will receive Buy Local Gift Cards loaded to the values listed below.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Demonstration of reuse and repurposing
• Creativity and innovation
• Durability and functionality
• Overall visual impact

Participants in the Wearable Art category are invited to create a wearable outfit from recycled or repurposed materials and showcase it on the runway.

The runway event will be held one week before the official Waste to Art opening. After the showcase all garments will then be displayed at Gatakers Artspace as part of the Waste to Art exhibition.

Designers are encouraged to provide their own model for the runway and a mannequin for exhibition. A model or mannequin may be provided on request prior to creation.

Fashion Showcase: Saturday 7 November, Brolga Theatre

• 3pm – Doors open for participants

• 4pm – All models must be fully dressed and ready backstage

• 4.30pm – Under 18s runway begins

• 5pm – Over 18s runway begins

• 6.15pm – Awards presentation

Garments must be left at Brolga Theatre after the runway for exhibition at Gatakers Artspace.

Textile waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, driven by the rise of fast fashion and a throwaway culture.

According to the Australian Fashion Council, over 200,000 tonnes of clothing is sent to landfill in Australia each year.

Whether it’s an outfit reimagined from denim scraps or a dress made completely out of storage bags, the Wearable Art category should inspire people to see value in the things we usually throw away. 

That could mean donating or selling items in good condition, repairing or upcycling into something new, or recycling items properly.

Learn more about reusing and recycling clothing and textiles here - https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/clothing/