Waste 2 Art Competition Showcases Local Creativity and Sustainability

The region’s commitment to sustainability and creative reuse is currently on full display, with 85 entries submitted for this year’s Waste 2 Art Competition.  

Artists, schools, community groups and individuals have embraced this year’s theme, “Shrink Your Footprint”, which challenged participants to consider the environmental impact of everyday choices while working within a unique creative constraint: every artwork had to fit inside a standard shoebox. 

Mayor Robert Taylor remarked the annual Waste 2 Art initiative encourages the community to rethink waste and explore innovative ways to repurpose materials.  

“This year’s entries showcase an impressive range of miniature sculptures, functional items and detailed artworks, all created from recovered or recycled materials. The small‑scale format highlighted the ingenuity of local artists and reinforced the message that even small actions can make a meaningful difference,” said Mayor Taylor. 

The Waste 2 Art 2026 Exhibition is open to the public until this Wednesday 6 May, offering residents and visitors the chance to view the full collection of entries and celebrate the winning works. 

During the exhibition, visitors also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork as part of the People’s Choice Award. Everyone who casts a vote will go into the draw for a lucky‑draw prize, adding an extra layer of fun and community engagement to this year’s event. 

Council congratulates all participants and extends special recognition to the 2026 category winners who were honoured at the Awards Ceremony held on Saturday: 

2026 Waste 2 Art Winners 

Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer 

P: 02 6333 6179 M: 0448 685 340 E: genevieve.green@bathurst.nsw.gov.au