Woods Street Youth Art Prize 2026
The Woods Street Youth Art Prize celebrates the diverse perspectives, creative practices and artistic ambitions of young people across Melbourne’s west.
Presented at Woods Street Arts Space, the exhibition brings together more than 50 emerging artists working across a range of mediums, offering a platform for experimentation and expression.
Visit the gallery to vote for the People’s Choice Award, which will be announced at the Closing Event on 19 September 2026. The recipient will be awarded $400.
Exhibition Dates
4 – 19 September 2026
Open Thursdays to Saturdays, 12pm – 5pm
Free entry
Location
44 Woods Street, Laverton
Public Program
Alongside the exhibition, a public program of workshops, artist talks and special events provides opportunities to connect with artists, explore new creative skills and celebrate youth arts.
2026 Finalists
The finalists of the Woods Street Youth Art Prize 2026 are:
Aaron Phung, Ada Whiteway, Aidan Doyle, Alex Robertson, Brooke Johns (BeWitched Arts), Caitlyn Phan, Charli English, Claudia Bellingham, Dennis Pham, Dylan Disint, Elijah Cristiano, Elliot Tenney, Evangeline Sanderson, Frances Gentile, Gluzyl Pagdanganan, Greta Ligertwood, Halle Roberts, Harper Stubbs, Iris Pavlidi, Isobel Heddles, Jasmine Davies, Jessica Noyce, Joe Kenny, Joshua Griffioen, Jovana Raickovic, Justin Enrico Legaspi, Lidya Gebreslassie, Lily Attard, Lucinda King, Luna Coleman, Marini Coles-Janess, Masengo, Max Borhillo, Maya Yoon Kirk, Melinda Shipp, Meredith Walker, Montana Brayshaw, Niamh Davies, Oliver Cheung, Olivia Di Gioacchino, Ruby Findlay, Rumaiha Bilal, Samuel Roslin Manugas, Shikha Manoj Kumar, Sirikwan Chaiyarukthaworn, Sophie Gradkowski, Sumaira Alam, Tandia Blaszczyk, Tara Mathews, Tessa Remsu, Violet McCurley Douglas, William Kendall.
More information
Key dates
Artwork Drop-off
Friday 21 August, 3pm – 6pm
Saturday 22 August, 1pm – 4pm
Exhibition Open
4-19 September 2026, Thursday - Saturday, 12pm – 5pm
Events (bookings required for all)
Opening & Award Ceremony
Friday 4 September, 6pm – 8pm
The Rolling Canvas
Skateboard Design Workshop (12 to 17 years)
Thursday 10 September, 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Rideable Art
Skateboard Design Workshop (18 to 25 years)
Thursday 17 September, 6pm – 8.30pm
Closing Event & Artist Talk
Saturday 19 September, 2pm – 4pm
Prizes
The 2026 Prizes include:
Open Category – $1000
Runner-up Open Category – $500
Hobsons Bay Artist – $500
Artist Encouragement Award (under 20 years) – $200
Artist Encouragement Award (over 20 years) – $200
People’s Choice Award – $400
Getting to Woods Street Arts Space
Woods Street Arts Space is approximately 24km from Melbourne's CBD and is located in Laverton, in Melbourne's west.
By Train
Woods Street Arts Space is approximately a 3 minute walk from Laverton Train Station, with regular services operating on the Werribee Line.
By Car
Free timed street parking is available in the surrounding area.
Accessibility
The venue is wheelchair accessible. If you have specific access requirements, please contact the Arts and Culture team at arts@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au prior to your visit.
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@woodstreetarts.