Terms & Conditions for the Schools Reconciliation Challenge
By completing and submitting the Schools Reconciliation Challenge entry form, each participant agrees to be bound by the following terms and conditions:
1. Eligibility
1.1 The Schools Reconciliation Challenge is open to students currently enrolled in Years 3–10 at a primary or secondary school in NSW or the ACT, or students of equivalent age.
1.2 Entries must reflect the official 2026 Schools Reconciliation Challenge theme.
1.3 Entries must comply with all submission requirements outlined in these Terms and Conditions and in the online entry portal.
2. Submission Requirements
2.1 All entries must be submitted digitally via the official online portal by 21 August 2026. Late entries will not be accepted.
2.2 A completed online entry form and an Artist Statement or Writer’s Reflection must accompany each submission.
2.3 Entries must be the original work of the student(s).
- Written submissions may be reviewed for originality, including the use of AI-generated content.
- Submissions that are wholly AI-generated or that breach originality requirements may be disqualified.
2.4 Entries must not have been previously published, self-published, broadcast, publicly exhibited, posted online, or entered into another competition.
2.5 Once submitted, entries cannot be amended, replaced, or corrected.
2.6 Schools must retain original physical artworks. No physical artworks are to be mailed to Reconciliation NSW unless specifically requested.
3. Art Entries
3.1 Digital files must be clearly labelled using the following format: School_Title of Artwork_Student Name
3.2 Artwork must be submitted as a high-quality digital photograph or scan. Preferred file formats: .jpg, .gif, .bmp (or as specified in the portal).
3.3 Images must:
- Be clear and high resolution (Low-quality images may impact judging or exhibition inclusion)
- Show only the artwork (no students or background environments)
- Be suitable for reproduction in print and digital exhibition formats
4. Writing Entries
4.1 Digital files must be clearly labelled using the format: School_Title of Artwork_Student Name
4.2 Written submissions must not exceed 500 words.
4.3 Files must be submitted in PDF or Word format.
4.4 Written entries will be reviewed for originality, including potential AI-generated content.
5. Video Entries
5.1 Digital files must be clearly labelled using the format: School_Title of Artwork_Student Name
5.2 Video submissions must not exceed the timelimit of 4 minutes.
5.3 Files must be submitted in MP4 or MOV format.
5.4 By submitting a video entry, the entrant confirms that they have obtained all necessary permissions to film any individuals featured in the video and that all individuals appearing have provided informed consent, including consent for their image, voice, likeness, and story to be recorded, submitted, and published. Where required, a signed media release form should be obtained to confirm this consent.
6. Copyright and Licence
6.1 Students retain copyright of their work.
6.2 By submitting an entry, the student (and their parent/guardian where applicable) grants Reconciliation NSW a royalty-free, worldwide, non-exclusive licence to reproduce, publish, exhibit, communicate, adapt (for formatting or promotional purposes only), and otherwise use the submitted work in all current and future media formats. This includes, but is not limited to, use in print and digital publications (including magazine and report covers), websites, social media, exhibitions, presentations, educational materials, promotional campaigns, public installations, and public art formats such as murals, street art, posters, and signage, as well as the right to reproduce and distribute the work on merchandise or other items for fundraising or cost-recovery purposes, for promotional, educational, exhibition, archival, and reporting purposes.
6.3 This licence includes permission to publish the student’s name, age, school, and community in connection with the entry.
6.4 The entrant warrants that:
- The work is original
- They have the right to grant this licence
- There is no cultural, legal, or other restriction preventing the work from being exhibited, reproduced, or adapted in any of the above forms
7. Judging
7.1 Entries will be reviewed by a subcommittee of Reconciliation NSW and assessed by independent judges with relevant expertise.
7.2 Judging decisions are final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into regarding judging outcomes.
8. Acceptance
By submitting an entry via the online portal, the entrant (and their parent/guardian where required) acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.