About the Schools Reconciliation Challenge
The Schools Reconciliation Challenge (SRC) is a creative learning program that invites students in Years 3-10 to explore reconciliation through art, writing, and film. Students engage with an annual theme and create original works that express their learning, perspectives, and hopes for the future.
The Schools Reconciliation Challenge is open to all students in Years 3-10, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, and of all abilities. Students participate through their school.
The theme for the 2026 Schools Reconciliation Challenge is based on the National Reconciliation Week theme: ALL IN – Belonging today. Building Tomorrow. Explore the 2026 theme!
It asks young people to consider reconciliation not as a distant goal, but as a shared responsibility lived out right now – in our classrooms, our friendships, and our communities.
Register your school for the 2026 Schools Reconciliation Challenge here
- Explore the 2026 theme.
- Access the lesson plans and classroom activities.
- Use the teaching resources to support student learning about reconciliation.
- Develop student artworks or writing responses.
- Submit entries before the closing date: 21. August
The Schools Reconciliation Challenge resources are aligned with relevant curriculum outcomes. Details can be found within the Teaching Kit and lesson resources linked here.
The Schools Reconciliation Challenge is a digital-first program. All entries- whether artworks, poems, short stories, or videos- must be submitted online in digital format via the Submission Portal.
Submission Checklist:
- Reflects the theme and reconciliation
- Is an original creative work
- Includes an Artist Statement or Writer’s Reflection
- Is in digital format of high quality
- Has correct file naming: School_Title of the artwork_Students Name (e.g. BNPS_My Country_Mary Smith.pdf)
Yes they can. All schools submissions will be reduced to 5 submissions per school to have a fair and just process for all.
In previous years we had a collaborative category for whole schools or classrooms. For this year students can still work together on an artwork, and it will compete alongside all other submissions in this category – whether created in teams or individually.
- Digital files must be clearly labelled using the following format: School_Title of Artwork_Student Name
- Artwork must be submitted as a high-quality digital photograph or scan. Preferred file formats: .jpg, .gif, .bmp (or as specified in the portal).
- 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
- Digital files must be clearly labelled using the format: School_Title of Artwork_Student Name
- Written submissions must not exceed 500 words.
- Files must be submitted in PDF or Word format.
- Written entries will be reviewed for originality, including potential AI-generated content.
- Digital files must be clearly labelled using the format: School_Title of Artwork_Student Name
- Video submissions must not exceed the time limit of 4 minutes.
- Files must be submitted in MP4 or MOV format.
- Where required, a signed media release form should be obtained to confirm consent of individuals featured in the video.
- Challenge opens: 27 April 2026
- Submissions due: Friday 21 August 2026
- Judging period: September–October 2026
- Finalists announced: November 2026
- Awards Ceremony: 8 December 2026
21 August 2026
The 2026 Schools Reconciliation Challenge Awards Ceremony will be held on 8 December 2026 at the Australian Museum.
Information about the exhibition launch, regional exhibition tour and exhibition locations will be released closer to the date.