The Schools Reconciliation Challenge is an annual writing and art program for young people across NSW and the ACT. Every year, students are invited to create artworks and stories inspired by a reconciliation theme—and reflect on what reconciliation means to them.
The Challenge supports teachers to meet curriculum have a closer look here.
It’s a powerful way for students to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and perspectives—and to contribute positively to Australian society.
The Challenge began in 2010 with the theme Reconciliation: The Road Ahead. Since then, it has grown into a statewide platform celebrating student creativity and commitment to reconciliation.
Each year, selected artworks and writing are curated into a beautiful exhibition that showcases creativity and thoughtfulness around reconciliation.
Since 2015, the National Trust has helped tour the exhibition across NSW, including regional locations—bringing the Challenge to more students and communities.
In 2019 and 2020, with support from International Towers, we proudly exhibited at Barangaroo’s National Towers.
Finalists receive a prize pack, which usually includes a Schools Reconciliation Challenge library bag, Educational resources, Special gifts from our sponsors.
All young people in Years 3–10 (or of equivalent age) across NSW and the ACT—Indigenous and non-Indigenous, of all abilities—are welcome to enter.
You can participate through your school and it’s free to take part.
Challenge opens: 27 June 2025
Submissions due: Friday 12 September 2025
Judging period: September–October 2025
Finalists announced: November 2025
Use the Create Art and/or Create Writing activities.
Use provided lesson plans and resources to inspire original artworks or written pieces (poems or short stories).
The Schools Reconciliation Challenge is a digital-first program. All entries—whether artworks, poems, or short stories—must be submitted online in digital format.
Make sure each entry includes:
A title and correct file naming format  School_Title of the artwork_Students Name (e.g. BNPS_My Country_Mary Smith.pdf)
An Artist Statement or Writer’s Reflection
Original work that reflects the 2025 theme:
Feeding Connection: Learning from Country
Submission by the deadline: Friday 12 September 2025
📤Submit artworks and writing here
For more details, visit:
Register \ Submit \Terms and Conditions
Many of these resources and activities have been developed in consultation with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to ensure that the program meets NSW curriculum outcomes for Stages 3, 4 & 5.
Reconciliation NSW aims to create a reconciled, just and equitable community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. We work to inform, support and inspire people to engage in reconciliation.
E: schools@reconciliationnsw.org.au
T: +61 255 031 926
94-96 Cooper Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
