What does belonging mean to you? Share your personal, family or community story through art
The Deakin Centre for Refugee Employment, Advocacy, Training and Education (CREATE) support people from a refugee background to rebuild their careers through meaningful employment, vocational training and education.
What does belonging mean to you?
To celebrate the rich diversity and unique stories on which our Deakin community is built, you’re invited to submit an original piece of artwork that creatively reflects the theme: ‘A Million Stories: The Art of Belonging’.
This is an opportunity to share your unique perspective through creative expression, whether you’re an experienced artist or passionate hobbyist. We invite you to create an art piece to express how personal narratives weave together to create a sense of community.
The winning artwork will be displayed at Deakin Downtown 27 July – 5 August 2026.
Your design
Inspired by the theme, ‘A Million Stories: The Art of Belonging’, your design should tell your story, celebrate diverse experiences, and help build a stronger sense of belonging.
Participation is encouraged from students with a migrant, refugee or refugee-like background, first, second, third, or fourth generation, as well as students studying courses connected to migration, settlement, social inclusion, community services, education, and refugee experiences.
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- Accepted mediums include painting, drawing, photography, collage, mixed media, typography, illustration or small-scale sculpture.
- Artworks must be original and produced on suitable materials such as canvas, paper, cardboard, or similar media.*
- All submissions must be created without the use of generative AI tools, stock images, or external assets, whether fully or partially. Submissions must not include watermarks, logos, or branding and must be suitable for public exhibition.
All submissions must be received by 11.55 pm on Wednesday, 7 July 2026 via the official submission form. Entry is limited to one (1) art piece per student.
*Please read the Terms and Conditions and Submission Guidelines below before creating and submitting your artwork.
Judging
All eligible submissions will be reviewed by the judging panel between 20 July and 5 August 2026. Shortlisting will be based on the following criteria:
Relevance to the theme: How effectively the artwork and its accompanying description respond to “A Million Stories: The Art of Belonging.”
Creativity and originality: The extent to which the work demonstrates unique ideas, artistic expression, and encourages reflection or new perspectives.
Overall impact: The strength of the artwork’s visual and emotional impact, including its suitability for display in a public, student-facing exhibition and its ability to engage audiences and spark conversation.
The award ceremony will be on 5 August 2026 to celebrate the exhibition and announce the winners.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr Karen Dunwoodie, Dr Maria Rojas, or Dr Anna Xavier.
Prizes
Winners will receive cash prizes valued up to $500.
First Place – $500
Second Place – $250
Third Place – $100
People’s Choice – $250
Key dates
🗓️ Submissions are now open and close on 7 July 2026
🖼️ Online Gallery: 15 July – 5 August 2026
🎉 Award Ceremony: 5 August 2026 | Deakin Downtown | Register