2025 Jubilee Year Art Prize
To celebrate the Jubilee Year, the Diocese of Lismore invited 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 continued 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
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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 honoured that tradition, encouraging artists to respond to the theme of Hope with heart and creativity.
Pilgrim Church exhibitions
Art exhibitions, showcasing all the entries, took 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 exhibitions provided an opportunity for people of all ages to engage with the Jubilee theme of Hope through the lens of art and creativity. Find out about the People’s Choice Winners at the Pilgrim churches.
Final exhibition and awards
On Saturday 6 December, the Jubilee Art Prize’s final exhibition and prize-giving ceremony took place at St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore. It was a joyful occasion where artists and families gathered to celebrate the talents displayed.
Winners
Following the exhibition of the finalists at St Carthage’s Cathedral on Saturday 6 December, the artists below were awarded for their artistic excellence and creative contributions.
Category | Winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd place) |
| 0-5 years | 1st: Fletcher Don |
| 6-8 years | 1st: James Polson Highly commended: Isaac Abel |
| 9-12 years | 1st: Bonnie Lindsay Highly commended: Johan Rajesh |
| 13-17 years | 1st: Stephanie Sharwood Highly commended: Raine Wallace |
| 18+ | 1st: Geraldine Loong Highly commended: Trish Bazar |
| People’s Choice (Final Exhibition at St Carthage’s Cathedral) | Geraldine Loong |
People’s Choice (Pilgrim Churches) 1 winner per church | St Carthage’s, Lismore – Geraldine Loong St Augustine’s, Coffs Harbour – Frances Hunt St Agnes’, Port Macquarie – Indy George Sacred Heart, Murwillumbah – Bonnie Lindsay |
| Group prize | 1st: Year 6, St Joseph’s Primary School, Laurieton 2nd: 9A, McAuley College, Grafton 3rd: Year 2, St Brigid’s Primary School, Kyogle |
| Photography, 17 and under | 1st: Macey Arkinstall |
| Photography, 18+ | 1st: Robert John Greenlaw |