2025 Jubilee Year Art Prize
To celebrate the Jubilee Year, the Diocese of Lismore invites artists of all ages to participate in a special art prize and exhibition.
Traditional art has shaped the Catholic Church for centuries, conveying belief, teaching, and devotion. From mural paintings to stained glass, religious art has drawn people closer to God. This competition continues that tradition, offering a space for artists to respond creatively to the Jubilee’s theme of Hope.
“Art, especially paintings and music, are a special place in which we have time to be with ourselves and experience God. This year, is the Jubilee Year in which we are asked to take time to be with God and so, this competition gives people the opportunity to step away, and in their creativity, experience the power of God. I am pleased to announce this competition, and I look forward to seeing the works of artists across the Diocese.” – Bishop Greg Homeming
How to Enter
Please complete the online form to submit your artwork. Before submitting, please ensure you have read the terms and conditions and referred to the checklist.
The theme
Hope is at the heart of the 2025 Jubilee Year. In a time when many seek light in darkness, this theme encourages reflection on what it means to live with joyful anticipation and deep trust in God. Through art, we have long expressed the mystery and beauty of faith through visual storytelling. This art prize honours that tradition, encouraging artists to respond to the theme of Hope with heart and creativity.
Who can enter
Everyone is welcome. Whether you’re a student or an experienced artist this is your opportunity to take part. We invite entries from:
- 0-17 years
- 18+ adults
- Groups (e.g. school classes, parishes, art groups)
- Photographers
Please note, your child does not need to attend a Catholic school to enter the competition.
Exhibition
An art exhibition, showcasing all the entries, will take place at the four pilgrimage churches in the Diocese of Lismore—places of hope where people are invited to worship, pray, and deepen their relationship with God:
- St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore
- Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Murwillumbah
- St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Coffs Harbour
- St Agnes’ Catholic Church, Port Macquarie
The exhibition will offer an opportunity for people of all ages to engage with the Jubilee theme of Hope through the lens of art and creativity.
The finalists will be displayed at St Carthage’s Cathedral at the end of the year, when prizes will be announced.
Important dates
- Entries close: 05/08/2025
- Exhibition opens: Late August – early September (Dates TBC)
- Final exhibition at St Carthage’s Cathedral and winners announced: November 2025 (Date TBC)
Categories and prizes
Following the finalist’s exhibition at the end of 2025, awards will be given in the following categories. The total prize pool is $3,935.
| Category | Prize Money (1st, 2nd, 3rd place in category) |
| 0-5 years | $30, $20, $10 |
| 6-8 years | $50, $30, $20 |
| 9-12 years | $50, $30, $20 |
| 13-17 years | $200, $150, $100 |
| 18+ | $500, $300, $200 |
| People’s Choice (Final Exhibition at St Carthage’s Cathedral) | $400 (1 winner) |
| People’s Choice (Pilgrim Church) | $100 (1 winner per Pilgrim Church) |
| Group prize | $400, $200, $100 |
| Photography, 17 and under | $100, $75, $50 |
| Photography, 18 and over | $250, $150, $100 |