2026 Art, Literary & Music Competitions
The Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival holds a number of competitions, and is open to all artists, graphic designers, musicians and creative people and kids from around our region and Australia….with great prizes!
~ Poets of Penola Acquisitive Art Prize 2026: $12,000 ~
SPONSORED BY the MARY SKENE KIDMAN FUND
The Poets of Penola (PoP) Acquisitive Art Prize, open to all emerging and established artists throughout Australia, and inspired by the works of the Penola Poet’s, John Shaw Neilson, William Henry Ogilvie or Adam Lindsay Gordon.
EXHIBITION DATES May 15 – June 12, 2026
Collection of unsold and sold artworks will be possible from the 9th of June. Freight arrangements can be made by calling 0427566160.
Pictured below: 2025 Winner: Xavier Mouche, for his work “A Ballad of Rhythmic Patchwork”, with inspiration drawn from the poem “The Hoofs of the Horses” by William Henery Ogilvie.
The 2025 Limestone Coast PoP Prize: $1,000
Open to all emerging and established artists who reside in the Limestone Coast and inspired by the works of the Penola Poets.
Sponsored by Lois Hodge
~ Penola Coonawarra Design Prize 2026 ~
A THEME will be announced on Opening Night, with entries due August 1, 2026 3:00pm to
Still Water Studio
$1,000 sponsored by Hansen Design & Print
The chosen design will be used for all 2026 promotional material including a full colour program, posters, flyers, the website, banners and more.
2025 Winning Design above: Shorona McLeay
~ YOUTH WRITERS LITERARY AWARD~
A refresh in 2026 to DISCOVER something new.
~ Kids Talent Show ~
Are you the new Taylor Swift?
Held each Festival as part of Down The Lane.
~ Open Mic Competition ~
Can you sing, dance or just be funny?
You have 15 minutes to impress our judges for the chance to win the big prize!
Everybody welcome to have a go. Food and beverage available all day.
Big Marquee, Down The Lane, Penola