IAC 2025 STEAM Art Competition

The NSW Department of Education invites all NSW primary and secondary students to participate in:

‘Student Art Competition IAC 2025: Vision and Voice: Student Art for Earth and Space’

Introduction:
In 2025, Sydney will proudly host the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) for the first time in history. The IAC is the world’s largest and most prestigious global space event, bringing together over 10,000 delegates from more than 100 countries, including astronauts, scientists, engineers, educators, industry leaders, and students. Held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Darling Harbour, Sydney from 28 September to 3 October, the Congress represents a unique opportunity for Australia to showcase its leadership in space science, innovation, and education.

To mark this significant occasion, the NSW Department of Education is launching a statewide student art competition, inviting young people to explore the theme ‘Sustainable Space, Resilient Earth.’ This creative initiative celebrates the arrival of the IAC2025 in Sydney and inspires students to reflect on our shared future in space and on Earth. The competition offers a platform for students to express their visions and voices through visual art, connecting space exploration to sustainability, culture, and creative expression.

Overview: The NSW Department of Education in partnership with the IAC2025 is inviting students from primary and secondary schools across NSW to participate in a space-themed art competition that celebrates originality, creativity, and student voice. Students can respond to the theme using any traditional art medium, painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, or mixed media.

(Please note: digital art and AI-generated artwork will not be accepted.)

We encourage students to explore the theme through personal or cultural lenses, including perspectives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, or imaginative interpretations of the theme. We welcome all forms of expression, whether reflecting cultural traditions, contemporary views, or creative visions of Earth and Space.

As part of this exciting initiative, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia's first female astronaut, will share her insights on art, space, and the theme ‘Sustainable Space, Resilient Earth’ in a special interview. The interview will include a brief personal introduction, where Katherine highlights her journey as an astronaut and her strong connection to Australia’s growing space community. Her reflections aim to inspire students to think creatively about our future in space and the resilience of our planet.

Instructions:

Each school may submit up to 5 entries to the competition.

Submission will open:

Week 2, Term 2 and all entries must be received by Thursday 02 July 2025 (Week 10 Term 2.)

All entries must be:

• Independent and original student work
• Created on or within the dimensions of A5 size (14.8 x 21 cm)
• Either 2D or 3D, presented in portrait or landscape orientation

Submission process:

• Schools will select and vote for up to 5 student entries to represent their school in the competition.
• Each submission must be clearly labelled with the student's name, age, and the school’s details.
• Submitted as a photograph of the finished artwork (one photo per submission).
• Submissions will be collected by an MS Form: https://forms.office.com/r/LEnvNPMy8M. Please complete all required fields, including uploading a photo of your artwork, and ensure that your submission follows the competition guidelines.

Judging and Recognition:

A panel of educators, including creative arts specialists will review entries, focusing on creativity, originality, interpretation of the theme and technical skill.

Marking Criteria: To ensure transparency, the artwork will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1.      Creativity

2.      Originality

3.      Interpretation of the Theme ("Sustainable Space, Resilient Earth")

4.      Technical Skill

5.      Presentation

For more details on each of these criteria, please refer to the:

There will be 50 shortlisted entries and from this there will be 20 finalists selected from NSW Department of Education schools.

Finalist entries will be showcased at the International Astronautical Congress 2025 IAC at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Darling Harbour, Sydney during Public day 3^rd October 2025.

Finalists and Shortlisted students will be invited to attend the Public Day, Friday, 3 October 2025 where they will have the opportunity to take part in a range of activities including an exclusive visit from an Astronaut.