Talented students recognised at Visual Arts Awards

• The Crisafulli Government is celebrating 36 outstanding senior visual arts students through the 2026 Creative Generation Excellence Awards. 
• More than 500 submissions from 177 schools across Queensland showcased the depth of talent across the State.
• Award-winning works will take pride of place at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art in 2027. 
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering for education and the arts after a decade of decline under Labor.  

The Crisafulli Government has awarded 36 young student artists with this year’s Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art to celebrate the exceptional talent that flourishes in Queensland schools.  

The awards recognise and reward the next generation of artists in senior Visual Art education, with winning pieces displayed at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art in 2027.   

The 36 Excellence Award winners – spanning areas from Goondiwindi to Cairns – submitted a remarkable range of works, including installation, film, photography, painting, sculpture and more. 

More than 500 submissions were received, with students from 177 state and non-state schools applying for the prestigious awards in 2026.   

A further 117 students received a Commendation Award, and eight students – one from each education region – received a Regional Distinction Award.  

After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future through the record $23.1 billion Education Budget, which is delivering new schools, more teachers and teacher aides, and a range of excellence programs.  

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the awards recognised excellence in the arts and inspires students to pursue their passions.  

“Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Creative Generation Excellence Awards,” Minister Langbroek said.   

“As the Minister for both education and the arts, it’s amazing to see such talent on display from our young people and I’m sure this is just the start of a bright future in the arts for many of them. 

“The Crisafulli Government is investing in excellence and awards programs to inspire our young talented students.  

“From the Premier’s Anzac Prize to the Peter Doherty Awards and the Coding Challenge, we’re providing opportunities for our students where they can grow, thrive and achieve their best.” 

Cairns State High School student Ava Pilot, said the opportunity had boosted her confidence and inspired her to keep creating.  

“I feel so happy and honoured to receive a Creative Generation Excellence Award, and the thought of having my artwork exhibited at GOMA is exciting,” Ava said.