Waste 2 Art 2025
4 July – 4 August 2025
Waste 2 Art Mid-Western Competition 2025
Educate, inform and challenge the way we look at waste!
Waste 2 Art is a community art exhibition and competition open to all local residents who reside in the NetWaste region. It engages the community and showcases creative works made from reused & recyclable waste materials.. Mudgee Arts Precinct hosts the popular annual local competition and exhibition on behalf of Mid-Western Regional Council residents.
Winning artworks from the local competition will go on to represent the Mid-Western region in the Regional Exhibition which is hosted by a different council each year. The aim of Waste 2 Art is to challenge people's perceptions about 'rubbish' and to celebrate the reuse and recycling of waste through arts and crafts.
Waste 2 Art offers an innovative approach to waste education, inviting individuals, schools, and community groups to take up the challenge and create new life for materials that would otherwise be discarded. Over the years, many materials have been used, including soft plastics, tin cans, bottle tops, plastic bags, scrap metal, and clothing—the options are endless. Instead of heading to landfill, these waste materials can be transformed into fantastic works of art.
The Waste 2 Art exhibition is crucial as it fosters environmental awareness and creativity within the community. By transforming discarded materials into art, it challenges the conventional view of waste, highlighting the potential for reuse and recycling. This exhibition not only educates the public about sustainable practices but also inspires individuals, schools, and community groups to think creatively about waste management. It serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of our consumption habits and encourages a shift towards more sustainable living. Through art, Waste 2 Art celebrates innovation and the beauty of repurposed materials, making a significant contribution to environmental education and community engagement.
2025 Competition Theme – Year of Toys
Each year a specific waste item is featured, 2025 is The Year of Toys. That doesn’t mean that you must use this material in your artwork, but the competition aims to raise awareness each year of one particular problem waste stream.
A few ways to embrace the theme
- You could use old or broken toys, that are destined for landfill to create works
- You could make a toy from materials destined to become waste
- You could make a work that celebrates the culture that surrounds toys – this might include, costumes, comics, puzzles, games and much more.
This year entrants will be asked to outline where their materials come from. NetWaste will not be accepting entries into the Regionals if they contain any purchased craft materials such as plastic eyes, glitter, pipe cleaners and foam modelling material etc. as that is against the heart of Waste 2 Art. Instead, get creative with materials already destined for the waste or recycling bin. The only new materials you should be buying are materials to put the works together such as glues, pins and paper tape.
2025 entry forms along with terms & conditions of entry coming soon.
KEY EXHIBITION DATES
Monday 30 June: Entries close 5pm – online
Wednesday 2 July (between 9am and 5pm): Delivery of works
Friday 4 July 9am - 2.00pm: Judging
Friday 4 July 3.30pm: Exhibition officially opens.
Monday 4 August: Exhibition closes
3pm Monday 4 August – 5pm Tuesday 5 August: Collection of works
