Waste 2 Art

WASTE 2 ART is a community art exhibition and competition open to all residents of the NetWaste region. It showcases creative works made from reused waste materials. The aim is to challenge peoples’ perceptions about ‘rubbish’ and to celebrate the reuse and recycling of waste through arts and crafts.

Waste 2 Art provides an innovative approach to waste education, invites individuals, schools, and community groups to take up the challenge and create a new life for materials that would otherwise have been thrown away or, considered useless. Over the years many materials have been used, items like soft plastics, tin cans, bottle tops, plastic bags, scrap metal, clothing, the options are endless. Instead of heading to landfill, these waste materials can be turned into fantastic works of art.

This competition gives aspiring and professional artists the chance to explore and share their “waste reduction message”.  It also provides a wonderful opportunity for the entire Lithgow community to showcase their creativity.

 A specific waste item is featured as part of Waste 2 Art each round in an attempt to highlight problem issues, and this year is the Year of Toys.

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2025 THEME IS TOYS

Competition categories:

​The Competition will include the following categories:

Primary School

• 2 Dimensional
• 3 Dimensional
• Functional – furniture, craftworks & wearable items made from recycled materials

Secondary School

• 2 Dimensional
• 3 Dimensional
• Functional – furniture, craftworks & wearable items made from recycled materials

Community

• 2 Dimensional
• 3 Dimensional
• Functional – furniture, craftworks & wearable items made from recycled materials

Open

• 2 Dimensional
• 3 Dimensional
• Functional – furniture, craftworks & wearable items made from recycled materials

Regional competition & exhibition

Dubbo Regional Council will host the Regional Showcase from 20th September to the 2nd November 2025. Winning artworks from our local exhibition will be transported to the Regional Showcase at the Western Plains Cultural Centre 76 Wingewarra Street Dubbo.

Opening Function and official announcement of winners on 27th September2025 at the Western Plains Cultural Centre, 76 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo.

Timeline

Entry Submissions 

All entries are to be submitted to Lithgow City Council reception between 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday 9 June – Friday 13 June. Please review entry form terms and conditions. Please ensure the artworks are packaged in such a way that they can be transported to the exhibition location and include instructions on how the work is to be displayed. 

Local Exhibition and Awards Night at Lithgow Union Theatre Gallery 

Local submissions will be exhibited at The Lithgow Union Theatre Gallery (65 Bridge Street Lithgow ) from 30 June – 11 July. (Note: The exhibition will be closed on Tuesday 8 July and Wednesday 9 July.)
The submissions will be judged by a local panel and on Friday 11 July, 5pm – 7pm, there will be an awards ceremony at the exhibition. 

Workshops  

As part of the Waste 2 Art program a series of workshops will be held. 

Free workshops at Lithgow Union Theatre Gallery 

Mon 26th May 6-8pm, and Tues 27th May 10-12 noon. 

These workshops will encourage participants to create their own Waste 2 Art entries. Each two-hour session will support participants to get creative using the ‘found’ objects and materials provided as well as materials they will be encouraged to bring from home. Fiona Russell will run these sessions, providing advice, encouragement and talking people through the design process. 

Book your ticket here https://events.humanitix.com/waste-2-art-workshops 

For more information
Fiona Russell – Mythika Studio
0414 355 702 
email studiosmythika@gmail.com

“Once Upon a Toy”
Exploring creativity, memory, and sustainability through discarded toys. 

These workshops are specially designed for older community members, including residents of aged care homes and seniors social programs, who may not typically engage in the Waste 2 Art program. These workshop will be delivered at facilities and locations of interested participants 

To register your interest or ask questions, please contact:
Nicolette Suito – Crafty Crew
0410 756 387
nicolettesuito@hotmail.com / craftycrewclasses@gmail.com 

For further information contact:
Verity Brookes
Community and Cultural Development Coordinator
(02) 6354 9958