About the Schools Reconciliation Challenge

What is the Schools Reconciliation Challenge?

The Schools Reconciliation Challenge is Reconciliation NSW’s annual art and writing program for young people in NSW and the ACT.

What is the theme for 2026?

The theme for the 2026 Schools Reconciliation Challenge will be announced on 22. April 2026. All info can be found here or been received through signing up for the 2026 SRC Updates

Key Dates

When is the Schools Reconciliation Challenge?

This year the Schools Reconciliation Challenge officially begins June and we will be accepting art and writing submissions until Friday 12. September. Submissions can be made through our portal. However, we encourage students and teachers to engage with the Activities provided on our website.

📆 Key Dates

• Challenge opens: 22 April 2026

• Submissions due: Friday 21 August 2026

• Judging period: September–October 2026

• Finalists announced: November 2026

• Awards Ceremony: December 2026

Registration and Participation

Who can participate?

The Schools Reconciliation Challenge is open to all young people in years 3-10 (or equivalent ages), Indigenous and non-Indigenous, of all abilities. Young people may enter the Schools Reconciliation Challenge through their school or independently.

How do I register my school?

Register here to receive updates on the 2026 Schools Reconciliation Challenge. Please note: registration is not a commitment to submit an entry it simply allows you to stay informed.

How do I submit entries?

Artworks and short stories created for the Schools Reconciliation Challenge are to be submitted by the 21 August 2026. Writing and artwork submissions must be original creative pieces that relate to the 2026 theme and explore reconciliation more broadly. All entries will be AI checked.

Entry requirements:

• Artworks
  • all artworks are to be submitted in digital form in jpg format
  • They must be captured in the best possible resolution to make it into the finals and to get printed for the physical exhibition
  • and must be accompanied by an Artist Statement
  • Please do not post original artworks!!
• Writing
  • all writing submissions need to be submitted as a PDF document
  • they must be a maximum of 500 words
  • and must be accompanied by a Writer Reflection.
• Video submissions

Submissions that do not meet these requirements will not be accepted.

Can students submit both art and writing?

Yes, students may choose to create artworks or stories or both. Please note that if students choose to submit both an artwork and story they will need to complete an artists and writers statement for each of their entries.

How do I find out which curriculum outcomes the Schools Reconciliation Challenge covers/addresses?

The Schools Reconciliation Challenge covers BOSTES curriculum outcomes relating to English, History and Visual Arts for stages 3, 4 and 5. For further information about the Curriculum Outcomes for the Schools Reconciliation Challenge please visit at www.schoolsreconciliationchallenge.org.au/nsw-curriculum.  Curriculum alignments are mentioned on the last pages of the provided lesson plan each year

How do I find out more about this year’s Schools Reconciliation Challenge?

The Schools Reconciliation Challenge website contains information on this year’s theme, how to register and participate in the Challenge.  You may contact Reconciliation NSW via email at schools@reconciliationnsw.org.au