Creative minds across Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon are once again being challenged to rethink rubbish, with the 2026 “Waste 2 Art” competition embracing a simple but surprisingly tricky theme — *Shrink Your Footprint*.
This year, there’s a catch. Every artwork must fit inside a shoebox.
In Lithgow, entries will be accepted at Lithgow Library between Monday, 18 and Tuesday, 19 May, with the competition open to all residents within the local government area. Delivered in partnership with NetWaste, the exhibition continues to highlight the creative potential of discarded materials — from bottle tops and scrap metal to textiles and soft plastics — all transformed into works with a second life.
Over in Bathurst, entries for this year’s competition have now closed, with strong interest again expected across school, community and open categories. The local program continues to reinforce a global message, with organisers noting that more than two billion tonnes of waste are generated worldwide each year — a reminder of the importance of small, everyday choices.
Meanwhile, in Oberon, the exhibition is already underway at the Oberon Library & Community Centre, running from April 28 to May 10, with winners announced at the official opening earlier this week.
Across all three locations, the message is consistent: think creatively, act responsibly and reconsider what we throw away.
Waste 2 Art remains a free, community-focused initiative that brings together individuals, schools and community groups, offering both aspiring and established artists a platform to share ideas around sustainability.
And if this year’s brief proves anything, it’s that even the smallest creations can carry a powerful message.
