The Australian Wearable Art Festival (AWAF) will introduce a major new element to its program in 2027, with the launch of a national Student Showcase designed to inspire and support a new generation of Australian wearable artists, designers and creative thinkers.

Presented in partnership with St Andrew’s Anglican College on the Sunshine Coast, the inaugural Student Showcase will invite secondary year nine to year 12 students from across Australia to create and exhibit wearable artworks as part of specific student show as part of the AWAF program.

The announcement marks a significant expansion of AWAF’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and strengthening pathways into the creative industries.

AWAF Co-Director Helen Perry said the Student Showcase had been part of the Festival’s long-term vision for several years.

“One of the things we hear time and again from our artists is that wearable art changed the way they think about creativity. It encourages experimentation, problem-solving, sustainability, storytelling and innovation – all the skills we want young people developing,” Ms Perry said.

“With the Festival continuing to grow nationally, it feels like the right time to create a dedicated platform where secondary students can be part of that creative ecosystem and showcase their work alongside one of Australia’s most exciting regional arts events.”

The Student Showcase will create opportunities for young creatives to connect with professional artists, designers and industry mentors while experiencing a nationally recognised event environment.

The initiative follows the first year of St Andrew’s Anglican College’s involvement in AWAF, where students have worked alongside acclaimed wearable artist Kym Cunningham to create a series of sculptural headpieces that will form part of this year’s Festival’s interactive audience activations.

St Andrew’s Anglican College Principal Karen Gorrie said the partnership strongly aligned with the College’s commitment to providing authentic learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

“St Andrew’s is incredibly proud to partner with the Australian Wearable Art Festival to launch the inaugural Student Showcase as part of the 2027 Festival,” Ms Gorrie said.

“As a College, we are deeply committed to providing opportunities beyond the classroom that complement learning and support students to explore their passions, build personal capacity and move confidently into their futures.

“Partnerships such as this allow students to engage with creativity, innovation and personal expression in authentic, real-world environments.

“We are also proud to support a nationally-recognised Sunshine Coast event that contributes so strongly to the arts and creative culture of our region.”

The partnership also reflects St Andrew’s ongoing investment in arts education, including the construction of its new Performing Arts Hub, due for completion in late 2026.

Ms Perry said the Student Showcase would play an important role in expanding access to wearable art while also introducing a new generation of participants and audiences to the Festival.

“Wearable art sits at the intersection of fashion, sculpture, sustainability, performance and design. It is one of the most accessible and exciting ways for young people to engage with creativity because there are very few rules,” Ms Perry said.

“We are incredibly excited about what students across Australia will create when given the opportunity.”

Details regarding entry criteria, categories and key dates for the 2027 Student Showcase will be released following the 2026 Australian Wearable Art Festival.

AWAF 2026 takes place on 11 July at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort.

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