The Australian Wearable Arts Festival has beefed up its prize pool, with entries now open for the 2025 event.
Festival co-founder and curator Wendy Roe said the August spectacular, to be held on the Sunshine Coast, would also boast fresh categories and enhanced runway features.
Ms Roe said renowned artist Rachel Burke, known for dressing Cate Blanchett and Harry Styles, was set to join the judging panel of the Sunshine Coast Council-sponsored showcase.
“After four very successful years building momentum for this unique platform, Australian Wearable Art Festival has decided to change it up a little,” she said.
“With an expanded prize pool of $15,000 and our Supreme Winner walking away with $5000, the Festival in 2025 will offer artists even more incentives to participate.”
Ms Roe said entry submissions would be accepted until January 31, with final creations to be completed by July, for the August 8-9 event.
“This year also introduces two brand-new categories, Elements of Nature and Abstract Form, alongside popular returning categories Trashion and Avant Garde. Additional awards will recognise Textile Innovation and Sustainability, encouraging creators to explore bold and eco-friendly designs.”
She said, in 2025, the festival’s 27m runway would feature enhanced lighting options, ranging from bold and dramatic to soft and subtle effects, allowing artists to elevate their creations further.
“We’re dedicated to helping our artists forge pathways to opportunities, whether that’s through events like the Big Pineapple Festival or participating in our touring gallery exhibition, A Wearable Canvas.
“We are also thrilled to have renowned fashion designer and wearable artist Rachel Burke joining us on next year’s judging panel. There are very few people in Australia with more successful wearable art careers than Rachel.”
Applications can be made on the Australian Wearable Art Festival 2025 website.
