EMERGING artists across the New England region are being encouraged to explore the beauty of botany through the UNE Discovery Seeds of Science art competition being held in the lead-up to National Science Week.

The competition, organised by the UNE Discovery Voyager team, led by project officer Rachel de Lastic, will celebrate the beauty, complexity, and importance of botany, seeds, and the life that begins beneath the surface.

“Whether through drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, or digital media, we encourage creative interpretations that explore the science, wonder, and diversity of the plant world,” Ms de Lastic said.

“We encourage all interpretations of the theme, including works that reflect our beautiful native seeds, flowers and pollinators, local landscapes, human connections to seeds, and the intricate structures, patterns and textures of seeds.”

Finalists will be selected to be featured in a public exhibition at the UNE Dixson Library, with winners to be announced at the opening night on Friday, August 21 from 7pm.

UNE’s Seeds of Science art competition will celebrate the beauty, complexity, and importance of botany, seeds, and the life that begins beneath the surface. The works will be on show until September 20, 2026.

“The exhibition is just one of the exciting activations UNE Discovery will be running as part of National Science Week in August. Other highlights including pop-up stalls at local markets and shopping centres, a trivia night at the Welder’s Dog Brewery, and a spotlighting event at the Blue Hole near Armidale,” Ms de Lastic said.

Details about the Seeds of Science Art Competition available HERE and details about UNE Discovery National Science Week events available HERE.

Art Competition Key Details

Categories: Junior (K-Yr 6), Secondary (Yr 7-12) and Open (18 and above).

Theme: Seeds of Science.

Sizes and mediums: 2D artworks must be submitted no smaller than A5 (148mm x 210mm) and no larger than A2 (420mm x 594mm). Artwork mediums of drawing, painting, printing, collage or textiles are welcome (eg. watercolour, oils, acrylic, charcoal, pencil, ink, graphite, pastels, chalk, collage or textiles). Sculpture is accepted, and digital artists are also encouraged to enter.

Cost: No entry fee.

Deadline for entries: Complete and sign the online entry form with your details, the artwork title, and up to six good quality photos of the artwork before 19 July 2026, 6:00pm.

Prizes: Each category will have prizes for first, second and third place, as well as a People’s Choice award for each category.

Opening Night: August 21 at Dixson Library from 7pm to 9 pm. Attendees will be able to vote for the People’s Choice Award.