Mercy Youth Award
Description
An annual art prize competition that encourages students to learn about social justice issues in Australia and how they can help bring about change.
Requirements Summary
The Mercy Youth Awards is open to high school students across Australia who must create original artwork based on the annual social justice theme, write a 100-word explanation of how their artwork illustrates the theme, and complete an online quiz. The 2026 competition closes on Monday 10 August. Prizes include $1,000 for 1st place entrants plus $1,000 for their school, $500 for 2nd place, and $250 for 3rd place, with additional prizes for highly commended entries and the school submitting the most entries. Schools receiving prize money should use it for social justice resources, activities, or charities.
Eligibility Criteria
High school students from across Australia
Students must be from schools across Australia
Assessment Criteria
Create original artwork based on the annual social justice theme
Write 100 words explaining how artwork illustrates the theme
Complete the quiz in the online entry form
Timeline
Mercy Youth Awards competition is open for submissions
Mercy Youth Awards 2026 closing date is Monday 10 August
Priority Cohorts
The Mercy Youth Awards is an annual competition aimed at encouraging school students to deepen their understanding of social justice issues through creative responses to an annual theme.