2026 Youth Writers Literary Award
DISCOVER
Youth Writers Literary Award
The 2026 Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival sees a change in the Youth Writers awards! We wish to keep a strong link to the previous Catherine Martin Award and so will continue to have the award motivated by her writings in Australian literature, and the thematic Australin landscape.
It is with these guidelines that we encourage all participants work to be inspired by the idea to DISCOVER their own creativity with a uniquely Australian context – what will you create?
To give our judging panel the best opportunity to complete their process, ALL pieces are to be entered by NO LATER THAN Friday 1 May 2026, please see attached link 2026 Youth Writers Literary Award – Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival – held every May | Art | Music | Food | Wine for your use. Winners will be announced as part of the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival Down the Lane program, 2pm Sunday 17th May
Criteria
This award is motivated by Australian Literature, and Australian themed writing. It is with this intent that we ask participants’ work to be inspired by the idea of DISCOVER within an Australian context. Entries are open to all students enrolled in an educational institution across Australia.
Categories
- Entrants aged 10 – 12 years old, 350 – 500 words. Winner $75/ Runner Up $50.
- Entrants aged 13 – 15 years old, 500 – 800 words. Winner $100/Runner Up $75.
- Entrants aged 16 – 18 years old, 800 – 1000 words, Winner $150/ Runner Up $100.
DISCOVER – a new writing style for your work
DISCOVER – a new landscape in your creativity
DISCOVER – something amazing to share with us all
