Student Competitions

Creative Writing & Visual Arts

In celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity (21 May 2026), Cultural Infusion invites students across Australia to participate in our Diversified We Grow Creative Competition.

This competition encourages students to reflect on cultural diversity, identity, belonging and intercultural understanding through creative expression.

Students may submit an essay, short story, poem, or visual artwork, exploring how diversity, culture and connection contribute to growth in individuals, communities and society.

The competition supports classroom learning across English, Humanities, Civics and the Arts, while reinforcing the Australian Curriculum’s Intercultural Understanding capability. It encourages critical thinking, creativity, empathy and perspective-taking.

The competition is designed to be simple for schools to implement and can easily be integrated into classroom activities.

Competition rules

Competition Theme

Diversified We Grow

Students are invited to creatively explore the idea that diversity helps individuals, communities and societies grow stronger.

Submissions may reflect personal experiences, cultural traditions, community interactions or future possibilities where dialogue across differences leads to understanding.

What to do?

Students should:

  • Write an original essay, short story, or poem, or create a visual artwork
  • Explore the theme “Diversified We Grow”
  • Reflect on how diversity, culture or connection contributes to growth
  • Be authentic, creative and reflective

Optional Creative Prompts

Students may wish to explore ideas such as:

  • A moment where misunderstanding became understanding
  • A cultural tradition that shaped you or someone you know
  • A place where many cultures meet
  • A future where dialogue across differences helps solve a challenge

These prompts are optional and intended to help students generate ideas.

Who Can Enter

  • Students in Years 5–12 enrolled in Australian schools
  • Individual student entries
  • Schools may submit multiple entries

Entries must be submitted through the student’s school.

Submission Guidelines

Writing Entries
  • Years 5–6: 100–500 words
  • Years 7–9: 200–800 words
  • Years 10–12: 300–1,200 words
Poetry
  • 8–50 lines
Visual Art
  • Acceptable formats may include drawing, painting, digital illustration, collage or mixed media.
  • Artwork should be submitted as a high-quality image file.
  • All entries must be original work created by the student.

How to Enter (Step-by-step)

Step 1 – Create Your Work
Students write an essay, story or poem, or create a visual artwork responding to the theme Diversified We Grow. Teachers may complete this as a classroom activity or independent assignment.

Step 2 – Review
Teachers review the submission and confirm the work is the student’s original creation.

Step 3 – Submit
Schools submit entries using the online submission form (bottom of page)

Step 4 – Consent
Schools must confirm parent/guardian consent has been obtained for participating students.

The form will request:
  • School name
  • Teacher contact details
  • Student name
  • Year level
  • Title of submission
  • File upload (essay, poem, story, or artwork)

Key Date

Submission deadline: 1 May 2026
Winner announcements: 21 May 2026 – World Day for Cultural Diversity

Judging

Entries will be assessed based on:

  • Authenticity
  • Creativity
  • Connection to the theme
  • Insight and reflection
  • Storytelling or artistic expression

Judges’ decisions are final.

Prize & Recognition

Winning and shortlisted students may receive:

  • Certificates of recognition
  • Publication on the Cultural Infusion website
  • Possible opportunities to share their work publicly

Schools will be contacted directly if selected.

Submission form